Etihad Rail, developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, has signed a strategic agreement with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The two entities will focus on cooperation in railway alignment, station locations and defining contractual and operational responsibilities, as per the agreement, which was signed by Nasser Ahmed Alsowaidi, chairman of Etihad Rail and Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the RTA.

RTA will issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for any road works required by Etihad Rail in line with the agreement, it was revealed in a statement.

Etihad Rail will carry out technical studies and present findings to Dubai government authorities. It will also report on modifications to railway alignment or the surrounding areas, particularly on operational issues. Additionally, Etihad Rail will define the widths of the railway to guarantee maximum operation efficiency and cooperate with RTA on health and safety matters as per Dubai standards.

“We are delighted to cooperate with the RTA and sign this agreement which will assist Etihad Rail in [developing] the national rail network of the UAE on time,” said Alsowaidi. “Strengthening communication channels with other government entities will guarantee the efficient development of this important project, which will transform the transport industry across the UAE.”

“Etihad Rail will constitute an essential part of the UAE’s future transport infrastructure, and this agreement marks an important step in realising this goal,” Al Tayer said.