Etihad Rail Launches CO2 Emission Reduction Certificates

In a groundbreaking move that cements its position as a leader in sustainable transport, Etihad Rail, the operator of the UAE National Railway Network, has launched the region’s first-ever “CO2 Emission Avoidance and Reduction Certificates.” This initiative underscores the significant environmental benefits of rail transport while advancing the UAE’s ambitious Net Zero by 2050 Strategy.

The certificates, a first of their kind in the Middle East, aim to quantify and validate the carbon savings achieved by businesses that opt for rail transport over traditional road-based logistics. By leveraging the globally recognized EcoTransIT tool, Etihad Rail is ensuring that these savings are calculated with precision. The tool employs a Well-to-Wheel (WTW) analysis, which evaluates the entire lifecycle of fuel use—from extraction to combustion—along with specific data on cargo weight and distance traveled. This comprehensive approach allows for a detailed comparison of the carbon emissions from rail freight versus road transport, consistently showcasing the lower environmental footprint of railways.

Omar Alsebeyi, Executive Director of Commercial & Performance at Etihad Rail, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the UAE’s broader sustainability goals. “Sustainability is not just a commitment—it is a cornerstone of our identity and operations. The introduction of our CO2 Emission Avoidance and Reduction Certificates underscores our dedication to pioneering climate action and delivering tangible value to our customers,” he stated.

The certificates present a transformative opportunity for businesses. By adopting rail transport, companies can not only reduce their carbon emissions but also enhance their corporate sustainability reports, improve ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ratings, and appeal to environmentally conscious stakeholders. Furthermore, the initiative supports compliance with the UAE’s Federal Decree Law 11 of 2024, which emphasizes the importance of mitigating climate change effects.

Etihad Rail’s efforts are expected to have a monumental impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the UAE. According to projections, the railway will help lower road transport CO2 emissions by 21% annually by 2050. This equates to a staggering reduction of 8.2 million tonnes of CO2 per year—an achievement comparable to removing 300 trucks from the roads for every train journey. These numbers highlight the substantial environmental benefits of transitioning to rail logistics, not just in terms of carbon savings but also in reducing road congestion and improving overall air quality.

The UAE National Railway Network, operated by Etihad Rail, is set to become a cornerstone of sustainable logistics in the region. With a target of transporting 60 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2030, the network is poised to revolutionize freight transport by providing an efficient, eco-friendly alternative to trucks. This shift is expected to yield long-term benefits for both businesses and the environment, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global leader in sustainability.

The importance of the certificates in the strategic dimension was highlighted by Alsebeyi: "These certificates are a value proposition for business, and those that can make alignment with UAE decarbonization goals can make sustainability commitment, which is why this initiative makes sense." According to him, enabling businesses to measure, validate, and showcase carbon savings helps cultivate an atmosphere of accountability and transparency toward reducing emissions.

This comes at a time when global attention is increasingly being focused on sustainable development. The demand for environmentally conscious logistics solutions is at an all-time high, as governments, corporations, and consumers all look to green initiatives. Etihad Rail's proactive approach to addressing these concerns not only strengthens its market position but also serves as a model for other industries to follow.

In addition to facilitating businesses, the certificates will support the larger climate goals of the UAE. The tangible environmental advantages of rail transport are thereby made visible to all through Etihad Rail's push for the uptake of sustainability in industries. In this context, the successful use of such innovative tools as EcoTransIT will be recognized in the accurate measurement and reporting of emissions, a fundamental requirement to reach global climate targets.

The UAE’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its strategic initiatives, such as the Net Zero by 2050 Strategy. Etihad Rail’s efforts complement these initiatives by offering practical solutions that address one of the most pressing challenges of our time—reducing carbon emissions. The certificates provide businesses with an actionable way to participate in the country’s decarbonization journey while reaping operational and reputational benefits.

As the UAE continues to position itself as a global leader in sustainability, Etihad Rail's CO2 Emission Avoidance and Reduction Certificates mark a significant step forward. Fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and encouraging the adoption of rail transport, the initiative is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for the nation and the region. This groundbreaking effort not only speaks to the potential of innovative logistics solutions but also represents a call to action for businesses and stakeholders to join the movement toward a low-carbon economy.