Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Etihad Rail have establishes a new partnership to run freight services in the Arabian Peninsula.
Etihad Rail DB Operations LLC will be responsible for running freight services on the 1,200km rail network currently under construction in the United Arab Emirates, connecting Saudi Arabia with Oman.
The passenger and freight line, which is being built in three phases, is expected to cost around 8.4 billion euros.
Dr Rüdiger Grube, chief executive of DB, said: “The Etihad Rail network heralds a new era in transportation. DB Schenker Rail is proud to be part of it.
“We are confident that this network will contribute significantly to strengthening the strategic position of the United Arab Emirates. Our experts at DB Schenker Rail and DB International are looking forward to working with Etihad Rail.”
DB has indicated that the partnership could signal jobs for British engineers, with English language speakers ‘a prerequisite’ for the company’s recruitment drive.
DB Schenker Rail and DB Schenker Rail UK will need to employ 200 engineers and other staff to operate and maintain the new fleet of freight vehicles.
Freight services are expected to begin in October this year.
