Source data
Etihad Rail freight development and operating milestones
Sources checked
- January 2016First stage fully operational
The first stage preceded the launch of the national freight network. Source 1
- 2022Abu Dhabi inland terminal connected
Etihad Rail completed the link from the ICAD freight terminal to the main line. Source 2
- 23 February 2023National freight network inaugurated
The launch described about 900 kilometres of railway and 38 locomotives. Source 1
- 30 September 2025Bonded rail corridor agreement announced
The preliminary agreement would link Khalifa Port and Fujairah Terminals. Source 3
- 28 January 2026Operator reports 2025 freight volumes
More than 6.5 million tonnes of sulphur, over 10 million tonnes of aggregates and 148,000 containers. Source 4
An operating freight line, a terminal connection and a proposed bonded corridor describe three different stages of logistics development.
Etihad Rail freight development and operating milestones
The chronology uses Etihad Rail’s dated announcements. Freight tonnage and container counts use different units. The port corridor entry records a preliminary agreement.
| Source | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2016 | First stage fully operational | The first stage preceded the launch of the national freight network. | Source 1 |
| 2022 | Abu Dhabi inland terminal connected | Etihad Rail completed the link from the ICAD freight terminal to the main line. | Source 2 |
| 23 February 2023 | National freight network inaugurated | The launch described about 900 kilometres of railway and 38 locomotives. | Source 1 |
| 30 September 2025 | Bonded rail corridor agreement announced | The preliminary agreement would link Khalifa Port and Fujairah Terminals. | Source 3 |
| 28 January 2026 | Operator reports 2025 freight volumes | More than 6.5 million tonnes of sulphur, over 10 million tonnes of aggregates and 148,000 containers. | Source 4 |