The United Arab Emirates has significantly expanded its rail freight operations toward its eastern ports in response to regional shipping disruptions, according to Etihad Rail Freight. The company reported an increase in train deployments from four to approximately 250 per month as businesses seek alternative transportation routes.
Omar Alsebeiyi, CEO of Etihad Rail Freight, detailed the shift during the Sharjah Investment Forum 2026, noting that the company rapidly redirected railway resources toward the UAE’s east coast within days of the disruption. This move strengthened cargo connections through the ports of Fujairah and Khorfakkan, which provide maritime access outside the Strait of Hormuz.
Alsebeiyi cited data from March showing the company operated more than 100 freight train journeys over a nine-day span, transporting over 459,000 tonnes of cargo and 7,900 containers through the national rail network. A substantial portion of container traffic originated from Khorfakkan in Sharjah, offering an alternative pathway for shipments that might otherwise have been affected by instability in the Strait of Hormuz.
The ports of Fujairah and Khorfakkan, located along the UAE’s eastern coastline, present strategic advantages due to their direct access to the Gulf of Oman, avoiding the need to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This geographical positioning has enabled the UAE to provide alternative entry points for goods in a region where maritime routes often face volatility.
Since 2023, the UAE’s national railway network has linked major ports including Fujairah and Khorfakkan, facilitating the inland transport of cargo without solely relying on road freight. This infrastructure has become increasingly important amid shifting regional trade dynamics.
In addition to expanding capacity, Etihad Rail Freight has introduced specialized containers for critical goods to maintain supply chain continuity, Alsebeiyi said. He emphasized that rail services are designed to complement rather than replace road transportation, with ongoing collaboration between the rail operator, ports, shipping lines, and logistics companies.
“Rail does not compete with trucks; it complements them,” Alsebeiyi explained. “We work hand in hand with the ports, the shipping lines and the ship owners.”
Furthermore, Etihad Rail Freight’s subsidiary RailDirect provides customs clearance and cross-border logistics services aimed at facilitating smaller businesses’ access to the rail network, supporting the broader goal of enabling seamless trade across the UAE.