Al Masaood Automobiles and Etihad Rail Freight have completed the first-ever rail movement of finished passenger vehicles for an automotive dealership in the UAE, marking a significant development in the country’s logistics and transport sector.
The shipment involved Nissan passenger vehicles transported from ports on the eastern coast to the dry port at Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, demonstrating how rail infrastructure can now support high-value automotive supply chains in addition to traditional bulk cargo.
Al Masaood Automobiles, the authorised distributor for Nissan, INFINITI and Renault across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, worked with Etihad Rail Freight to deliver the consignment. This makes it the first automotive dealership in the country to move finished vehicles via rail.
The initiative reflects the growing role of the UAE’s national rail network in expanding beyond commodities into more complex logistics segments. By integrating rail into existing distribution systems, the project demonstrates improved coordination between ports, inland terminals and final delivery points.
Transporting vehicles by rail enabled a more streamlined journey from port to destination, improving efficiency, reducing handling time and enhancing delivery predictability. For the automotive sector, where timing and reliability are critical, this approach supports a more consistent customer experience and reduces logistical delays.
Irfan Tansel, Chief Executive Officer of Al Masaood Automobiles, said the initiative strengthens the end-to-end customer journey by improving how efficiently vehicles are delivered. He noted that the collaboration highlights the value of combining national infrastructure with private sector operations to support long-term operational improvements.
Omar Alsebeyi, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail Freight, said the milestone demonstrates the intended role of rail freight as a scalable and reliable logistics solution that integrates seamlessly into modern supply chains. He added that the national rail network is designed to improve resilience and efficiency across the logistics sector and enable broader adoption by businesses across the country.
Beyond operational benefits, the shift also supports environmental objectives. Rail freight offers a lower-emission alternative to road-based transport, contributing to reduced carbon output across automotive logistics chains. This aligns with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and wider efforts to decarbonise key economic sectors.
The development highlights the UAE’s continued investment in integrated infrastructure, where transport systems are increasingly designed to work together to improve efficiency and sustainability. It also reflects a broader push to enhance connectivity between ports, industrial zones and distribution networks.
As rail freight capabilities expand, further opportunities are expected to emerge across high-value sectors, strengthening the country’s logistics ecosystem and supporting long-term economic diversification.
Al Masaood ships vehicles via Etihad Rail Freight
