Etihad Rail, the master developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, today signed a strategic ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MoU) with du to foster mutual collaboration between the two companies. As a result of the agreement, du will provide its consultation and technical know-how on telecom solutions thereby boosting Etihad Rail’s overall integrated communications solutions and at the same time enhance du’s reach across the UAE to remote areas. The MoU, was signed between Richard Bowker, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail, and Osman Sultan, CEO, du, in a special ceremony held at du headquarter in the presence of executive management members from the two organisations.

This partnership will enable Etihad Rail to benefit from du’s expertise in telecommunications services, while du will make use of the new railway infrastructure to magnify its growing network and customer base in the UAE – serving both communities and businesses – particularly in the Western and Northern parts of the UAE.

Commenting on the collaboration, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail, Mr. Richard Bowker, said, “du exhibits exceptional competence in delivering high-speed, fully integrated telecommunications solutions effectively and efficiently. Etihad Rail aims to provide its customers and equip its network with a telecommunications infrastructure with such qualities.”

Commenting on the deal, Osman Sultan, CEO, du said: “We are delighted to sign this agreement with Etihad Rail.  We see a lot of synergy in this collaboration; while Etihad Rail gets to benefit by leveraging our telecom expertise and utilising our extensive portfolio of fixed and mobile services, we would benefit from getting access to their infrastructure. Our intention is to grow this partnership to ensure common good – for our customers as well as theirs.”

This MoU follows several agreements signed by Etihad Rail ahead of the planned construction of the first phase of its 1200km network, which is set to connect Shah, Habshan and Ruwais for the purpose of transporting granulated sulphur for export, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).