Etihad Rail moves first car shipment

Al Masaood Automobiles and Etihad Rail Freight have completed the UAE’s first rail shipment of finished passenger cars for a dealership. Nissan vehicles were moved from eastern coast ports to the dry port at ICAD in Abu Dhabi, thus marking a major shift in automotive logistics in the UAE.

Omar Alsebeyi, CEO of Etihad Rail Freight, said, “This milestone demonstrates exactly what rail freight is designed to do: offer a reliable, predictable, and scalable solution that integrates seamlessly into existing supply chains. The UAE’s national rail network was built to strengthen the resilience and efficiency of the country’s logistics sector.”

This is the first time a local automotive dealer has used rail for moving ready-to-sell vehicles. Until now, such shipments were mainly handled by road. The move shows that rail is starting to play a role beyond bulk cargo, entering high-value segments like automobiles.

Using rail can make deliveries more predictable and less dependent on road traffic. It also allows larger volumes to be moved in one trip, which can reduce delays and improve supply chain planning for dealers. Faster and more reliable movement means vehicles can reach showrooms sooner.

The shift could also lower pressure on highways by reducing the number of car carrier trucks. In the long run, this may help cut transport costs and improve efficiency across the sector. Rail transport also produces fewer emissions compared to road freight, supporting the UAE’s push towards cleaner logistics and more sustainable supply chains.