Etihad Rail signs an agreement to develop a pioneering bonded rail corridor connecting Khalifa Port with Fujairah Terminals, aiming to streamline customs, enhance trade efficiency, and support the UAE’s net zero ambitions.
Etihad Rail, working alongside Abu Dhabi Customs, Fujairah Customs, AD Ports Group, Fujairah Terminals, and Noatum Logistics, has signed what’s called a preliminary agreement. The goal? To develop a new “Bonded Rail Corridor” connecting Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi with Fujairah Terminals. This was actually announced during the second edition of Global Rail 2025. It’s a pretty important move, seen as a step forward in making rail transport more efficient, safe, and integrated across the UAE’s national railway system.
The agreement was formally witnessed by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who’s the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and also the Chairman of Etihad Rail. Sheikh Theyab pointed out just how strategically crucial this Bonded Rail Corridor is, calling it a critical milestone for the UAE’s trade and logistics infrastructure. He also mentioned that this Customs Corridor would help strengthen the country’s role as a global trade hub, while simultaneously supporting the UAE’s sustainability goals under Net Zero 2050 — so, promoting greener transport options.
So, what exactly is the Bonded Rail Corridor planning to do? Its main idea is to make moving goods between Khalifa Port and Fujairah Terminals—along with their nearby free zones—much smoother. Basically, goods will be able to pass through customs under control, without having to pay import or export duties right away. This setup promises to cut down customs clearance times quite a lot, since customs procedures can be done in advance before the goods actually enter or leave the corridor. The final customs checks will only happen at the destination, making the whole logistics process more seamless and efficient.
If you’re a customer using Etihad Rail for freight, you’ll likely benefit from priority customs clearance and integrated logistics services that cover the entire journey, from start to finish. The corridor’s scope includes free zones, transit shipments, exports, and domestic movements of goods between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
They’re planning to run a pilot version of this corridor in the last quarter of 2025. To get ready, Etihad Rail is actively collaborating with all relevant authorities and commercial partners to fine-tune cooperation frameworks, roll out full service options for the corridor, and set up strict performance monitoring to make sure things stay top quality and efficient.
Looking ahead, the project team has plans to expand the corridor network further across other train stations in the UAE. They want to add new technologies and services that will give the transport industry more competitive advantages, with a focus on safety and sustainability. By aligning with international standards and supporting key global trade routes, this Bonded Rail Corridor aims to reinforce the UAE’s position as a major logistics hub both regionally and worldwide.
This effort ties into a bigger vision for modernizing customs procedures and transport infrastructure within the country. The corridor is a clear example of the UAE’s commitment to smart, innovative logistics solutions that help grow the economy while also taking care of the environment. It also reflects a broader regional collaboration among port operators, customs authorities, and logistics companies—working together to improve trade flow, security, and operational efficiency at a national level.
As the UAE invests more heavily in rail infrastructure, the rail sector is becoming a key pillar of the country’s diversified economy. The Bonded Rail Corridor complements other projects focused on integrating and optimizing different modes of transport, reducing road congestion, and lowering emissions. All of this supports the country’s strategic objectives related to climate technology and sustainable growth. Ultimately, this initiative isn’t just about streamlining trade; it helps build a stronger logistics ecosystem that underpins the UAE’s vision of remaining a world-class trading hub in the years to come.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.gccbusinessnews.com/bonded-rail-corridor-khalifa-fujairah/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.etihadrail.ae/en/post/in-the-presence-of-his-highness-sheikh-theyab-bin-mohamed-bin-zayed-etihad-rail-signs-preliminary-agreement-to-launch-new-customs-corridor-project-linking-khalifa-port-with-fujairah-terminals – Etihad Rail, Abu Dhabi Customs, Fujairah Customs, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Fujairah Terminals, and Noatum Logistics have signed a preliminary agreement to launch a new ‘Bonded Rail Corridor’ linking Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi with Fujairah Terminals. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency, safety, and integration of rail transport operations across the UAE. The agreement was witnessed by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council and Chairman of Etihad Rail, during the second edition of Global Rail 2025.
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/infrastructure/etihad-rail-customs-corridor-project-khalifa-port-fujairah-terminals – A new ‘bonded rail corridor’ has been launched between Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah Terminals, following a preliminary agreement between key stakeholders. This dedicated section of the rail network allows goods to be transported under customs control without the immediate payment of import or export duties. By prioritising customs clearance and offering added benefits to Etihad Rail customers, the corridor is expected to significantly improve the efficiency, safety, and integration of freight rail operations across the UAE.
- https://gulfnews.com/uae/transport/etihad-rail-launches-new-corridor-project-operations-begin-this-year-1.500290349 – Etihad Rail, Abu Dhabi Customs, Fujairah Customs, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Fujairah Terminals, and Noatum Logistics have signed a preliminary agreement to launch a new ‘Bonded Rail Corridor’ linking Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi with Fujairah Terminals. The corridor aims to reduce customs clearance times and facilitate efficient entry and exit through coordinated pre-inquiry procedures, with final customs formalities completed at the destination. Pilot operations for the customs corridor are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025.
- https://www.porttechnology.org/news/new-bonded-rail-corridor-to-link-khalifa-port-and-fujairah/ – A new ‘Bonded Rail Corridor’ linking Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi with Fujairah Terminals will be launched following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Etihad Rail, Abu Dhabi Customs, Fujairah Customs, AD Ports Group, Fujairah Terminals, and Noatum Logistics. The agreement was witnessed by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council and Chairman of Etihad Rail. The initiative aims to strengthen the efficiency, safety, and integration of rail transport operations across the UAE.
- https://www.eyeofriyadh.com/news/details/theyab-bin-mohamed-bin-zayed-witnesses-agreement-to-launch-new-customs-corridor-project-linking-khalifa-port-with-fujairah-terminals – H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and Chairman of Etihad Rail, has witnessed the signing of a preliminary agreement between Etihad Rail, Abu Dhabi Customs, Fujairah Customs, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Fujairah Terminals, and Noatum Logistics to launch a new ‘Bonded Rail Corridor’, linking Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi with Fujairah Terminals. The initiative represents a strategic advancement in strengthening the efficiency, safety, and integration of rail transport operations across the UAE.
- https://www.onearabia.me/local/customs-corridor-project-khalifa-port-fujairah-terminals-011-124175.html – H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and Chairman of Etihad Rail, has overseen a preliminary agreement involving Etihad Rail, Abu Dhabi Customs, Fujairah Customs, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Fujairah Terminals, and Noatum Logistics to establish a ‘Bonded Rail Corridor’ connecting Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi with Fujairah Terminals. The initiative aims to enhance the efficiency, safety, and integration of rail transport operations across the UAE.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is based on a press release from Etihad Rail, dated October 1, 2025, announcing the launch of a new ‘Bonded Rail Corridor’ connecting Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi with Fujairah Terminals. This press release is the earliest known publication of this information, indicating high freshness. The announcement was made during the second edition of Global Rail 2025. ([etihadrail.ae](https://www.etihadrail.ae/en/post/in-the-presence-of-his-highness-sheikh-theyab-bin-mohamed-bin-zayed-etihad-rail-signs-preliminary-agreement-to-launch-new-customs-corridor-project-linking-khalifa-port-with-fujairah-terminals?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes attributed to H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the narrative are consistent with those found in the press release from Etihad Rail. No discrepancies or variations in wording were identified, suggesting the quotes are accurately reproduced. ([etihadrail.ae](https://www.etihadrail.ae/en/post/in-the-presence-of-his-highness-sheikh-theyab-bin-mohamed-bin-zayed-etihad-rail-signs-preliminary-agreement-to-launch-new-customs-corridor-project-linking-khalifa-port-with-fujairah-terminals?utm_source=openai))
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from Etihad Rail’s official press release, a reputable organisation responsible for the UAE’s national railway network. The press release is accessible on Etihad Rail’s official website, confirming its authenticity. ([etihadrail.ae](https://www.etihadrail.ae/en/post/in-the-presence-of-his-highness-sheikh-theyab-bin-mohamed-bin-zayed-etihad-rail-signs-preliminary-agreement-to-launch-new-customs-corridor-project-linking-khalifa-port-with-fujairah-terminals?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative align with the details provided in the press release, including the establishment of the ‘Bonded Rail Corridor’ and the involvement of key stakeholders such as Abu Dhabi Customs, Fujairah Customs, AD Ports Group, Fujairah Terminals, and Noatum Logistics. The timeline for pilot operations in the fourth quarter of 2025 is consistent across sources. ([etihadrail.ae](https://www.etihadrail.ae/en/post/in-the-presence-of-his-highness-sheikh-theyab-bin-mohamed-bin-zayed-etihad-rail-signs-preliminary-agreement-to-launch-new-customs-corridor-project-linking-khalifa-port-with-fujairah-terminals?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is based on a recent and original press release from Etihad Rail, with consistent and accurate quotes, originating from a reliable source, and all claims are plausible and corroborated by the press release. No signs of disinformation or recycled content were identified.
