UAE marks first rail delivery of passenger cars from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi
New freight model boosts efficiency and delivery timelines
ABU DHABI – Etihad Rail Freight, a subsidiary of Etihad Rail, has partnered with Al Masaood Automobiles to complete the UAE’s first rail transport of finished passenger vehicles for an automotive dealership.
The development marks a notable shift in how vehicles are moved across the country, introducing rail as a viable option for high-value cargo. It also reflects broader changes taking shape within the nation’s logistics sector as infrastructure continues to evolve.
The milestone involved the movement of Nissan passenger vehicles from ports along the eastern coast in Fujairah to the dry port at the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD). By linking maritime and inland logistics through rail, the operation signals a new chapter in the UAE’s integrated transport ecosystem.
First move
Al Masaood Automobiles, the authorised distributor for Nissan, INFINITI and Renault in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Region and Al Dhafra, became the first automotive dealer in the country to adopt rail for transporting finished vehicles. The collaboration with Etihad Rail Freight highlights the growing role of rail beyond bulk commodities, extending into diversified and high-value shipments.
In a strategic partnership to support the expansion of the UAE’s logistics sector, Etihad Rail and @AlMasaoodLLC Automobiles completed the first rail transport of vehicles for an automotive dealership in the country.
— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) April 24, 2026
The shipment of Nissan vehicles moved from Fujairah's East… pic.twitter.com/5k0hjYiMz4
The vehicles were transported seamlessly from port to destination, reducing reliance on traditional road freight. This approach offers greater consistency in transit times and improved predictability, both of which are critical in the automotive sector where timely delivery directly influences customer satisfaction.
Efficiency gains
The shift to rail freight is expected to enhance operational efficiency across the supply chain. By streamlining the movement of vehicles between key logistics hubs, the initiative reduces potential bottlenecks and supports faster delivery cycles.
Omar Alsebeyi, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail Freight, said the milestone demonstrates the role of rail in providing a reliable and scalable logistics solution. He noted that the UAE’s national rail network was designed to strengthen supply chain resilience and efficiency, with this operation reflecting its practical impact on businesses.
Irfan Tansel, Chief Executive Officer of Al Masaood Automobiles, highlighted the importance of reliability across the customer journey, including the delivery stage. He said the initiative underscores efforts to improve service standards while leveraging national infrastructure to enhance operational outcomes.
Green shift
Beyond efficiency, the move represents progress towards more sustainable logistics. Rail transport typically generates lower emissions compared to road freight, offering an alternative aligned with national environmental objectives.
The initiative supports the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, contributing to efforts aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of key industries, including automotive logistics. By incorporating rail into its supply chain, Al Masaood Automobiles advances a model that balances performance with environmental considerations.