Transport
From The Report: Abu Dhabi 2015
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The transport and storage sector contributed some Dh35bn ($9.5bn) to the emirate’s economy in 2013, equivalent to 3.67% of overall GDP. Sector GDP for the year was up 7.1% on 2012 figures in real terms, with its real compound annual growth rate for the period between 2009 and 2013 standing at over 12%. Several major new infrastructure projects indicate that the rapid development and growth of the transport sector is set to continue. The current expansion of the emirate’s rail capacity is seeing the construction of 1200-km network that will connect industrial centres with sea- and airports, while the emirate’s ports, which are primarily used for cargo transport and reshipping, are now being paired with industrial zones and manufacturing centres to integrate with the logistics offering. In the aviation sector, a new terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport will occupy a 700,000-sq-metre footprint on completion in 2017, making it the largest building in all of Abu Dhabi.

This chapter contains an interview with Faris Al Mazrouei, CEO, Etihad Rail.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Transport networks are being expanded across the board
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Several major new infrastructure projects are contributing to the rapid development and growth of the transport sector in Abu Dhabi. These include the imminent launch of a national rail network, as well as the construction of a new terminal that will eventually triple the capacity at the emirate’s main airport, primarily to cater to the ambitious expansion programme of the national carrier. The authorities are also seeking to alter the emirate’s modal transport mix, which is currently heavily…

Analysis

Linking up the various networks
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In addition to the construction of new transport infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, linkages between different forms of freight and passenger transport are set to deepen substantially in coming years, boosting the efficiency of local and regional supply chains. At the forefront of these improved connections will be planned interfaces between the new national rail network, Etihad Rail, and other forms of transport, including shipping and air cargo. Other connections, such as links between the road network…

Interview

Faris Al Mazrouei, CEO, Etihad Rail: Interview
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Interview:Faris Al Mazrouei What more needs to be done to improve the inter-connectivity of key infrastructure so that the industrial sector is able to benefit? FARIS AL MAZROUEI: Close collaboration among infrastructure operators is a key factor in ensuring successful inter-connectivity. We work closely with our future customers and partners to ensure that the UAE’s national rail network is properly integrated with regional ports, industrial zones and other transport infrastructure such…

Analysis

Staying well ahead of passenger and logistics growth
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The emirate’s authorities are engaging in detailed planning regarding the future of local transport infrastructure, with the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport having drawn up a range of master plans for the development of the sector. The most prominent of these is the general Surface Transport Master Plan for Abu Dhabi as a whole, albeit with a particular focus on Abu Dhabi City, that was published in 2009. The authorities are now seeking to update it, and in May 2014 three engineering consultancies…