Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE?s national railway network, has won the ?Strategic Project of the Year? award at the sixth Annual Global Infrastructure Leadership Forum in New York, defeating 99 other ventures worldwide
The award recognises projects that would have a positive impact on a country or region?s productivity and competitiveness, and which would serve as a model for other countries.
Supported by the world?s top consultancy and infrastructure firms, the forum selects the top 100 projects based on their creation of business opportunity, productivity, competitiveness, jobs, and carbon efficiency.
HE Nasser Saif Al-Mansoori, CEO of Etihad Rail, said, "Etihad Rail is a strategic project that will change the face of transport in the region, connecting to key ports and neighbouring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
"The future integration of the rail network, with other key infrastructure projects, has seen the UAE ranked ninth in infrastructure in the World Economic Forum?s 2012-2013 Global Competitiveness Report, and fourth most attractive location for infrastructure investment according to the Infrastructure Investment Index Report.
"This award is further testament to our efforts and plans to cultivate a new transport culture - one that will serve as a benchmark for rail networks worldwide," added Al-Mansoori.
Once completed, the Etihad Rail network will extend approximately 1,200km across the Emirates, catering to both freight and passengers. It will connect urban and remote communities, facilitate trade, open up communication channels and foster economic development.
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