Al Masaood Automobiles and Etihad Rail Freight have completed the first rail shipment of finished passenger vehicles for an automotive dealership in the United Arab Emirates, marking a development in the country’s logistics sector.
The shipment involved Nissan vehicles transported from eastern coastal ports to the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi dry port. The project demonstrates the use of the national rail network for moving high-value automotive cargo, in addition to bulk commodities.
Al Masaood Automobiles, the authorised distributor of Nissan, INFINITI and Renault in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, said the collaboration marks the first time a dealership in the country has used rail to transport finished vehicles.
The companies said the integration of rail into existing logistics systems supports improved coordination between ports, inland terminals and distribution points. Rail transport also contributed to reduced handling times and more predictable delivery schedules.
Officials from both organisations said the initiative reflects the role of rail freight as a scalable logistics option within the UAE’s transport network. They added that expanding rail use could support broader adoption across industries.
The shift to rail transport may also contribute to lower emissions compared with road-based logistics, aligning with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative.
The development forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity between ports, industrial zones and inland logistics hubs across the UAE.
