Masdar, Etihad Rail Partner to Develop Green Hydrogen Network

Masdar, a global leader in renewable energy and green hydrogen, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network. This partnership aims to explore innovative transportation solutions for the green hydrogen value chain across the country.

The collaboration seeks to use Etihad Rail’s expanding national network to move materials and products vital to the green hydrogen industry. These include hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, sustainable aviation fuel, and other clean energy derivatives. The move marks an important step in advancing the UAE’s ambitions to become a key player in the global green hydrogen market.

Signing Ceremony in Abu Dhabi

The signing ceremony took place during the Global Rail Transport and Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference held in Abu Dhabi. The agreement was witnessed by Shadi Malak, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail, and Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Faye Al Hersh, Associate Director, Development UAE at Masdar, and Adhraa Almansoori, Director of Public Policy and Sustainability at Etihad Rail. The event brought together key industry leaders to discuss the role of transport in supporting clean energy development and sustainability goals.

Etihad Rail’s Vision for Sustainable Logistics

Etihad Rail’s CEO, Shadi Malak, highlighted that this collaboration underlines the essential role of rail transport in supporting the UAE’s sustainability objectives. He stated that Etihad Rail’s network serves as the backbone of sustainable logistics, providing reliable and efficient infrastructure to move green hydrogen and its derivatives across the nation.

Malak added that the agreement strengthens Etihad Rail’s commitment to developing strategic partnerships that contribute to the energy transition and long-term economic growth. The use of rail for hydrogen transport will help reduce carbon emissions while supporting the country’s energy security and innovation goals.

Masdar’s Global Green Hydrogen Leadership

Masdar’s CEO, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, described the partnership as a major milestone in building the UAE’s green hydrogen ecosystem. He explained that transporting hydrogen and its derivatives efficiently is vital to scaling up production and use across industries.

Al Ramahi said, “This strategic partnership with Etihad Rail moves us closer to delivering green hydrogen and its products at an industrial scale. It supports our mission to drive energy transformation, decarbonisation, and sustainable economic growth.”

Masdar aims to become one of the world’s leading producers of green hydrogen by 2030. The company is developing commercial projects, forming international partnerships, and investing in scalable clean energy platforms across global markets.

Supporting National Clean Energy Goals

The collaboration between Masdar and Etihad Rail aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Low-Carbon Hydrogen Policy and the UAE’s National Hydrogen Strategy 2050. These initiatives aim to position the country as a global hub for low-emission hydrogen production by 2031.

The UAE’s hydrogen strategy focuses on reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors such as transport, chemicals, fertilizers, and heavy industries, including aluminum, iron, and steel. Using the national rail network to transport hydrogen products will make supply chains more efficient and environmentally friendly.

By combining Masdar’s clean energy expertise with Etihad Rail’s transport infrastructure, the UAE is taking a major step toward building an integrated green hydrogen value chain—from production and distribution to end use.

Advancing the UAE’s Sustainability Vision

Etihad Rail currently operates freight services connecting key industrial zones and maritime ports across the UAE, with passenger services scheduled to launch in 2026. The company’s growing network will provide vital connectivity for future hydrogen transport.

This agreement also supports the UAE’s long-term vision for a sustainable and diversified economy. Through such collaborations, the country continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation, clean energy, and global climate leadership.

Both Masdar and Etihad Rail reaffirmed their shared dedication to supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative. Together, they are helping transform the nation into a global center for green industry, sustainable logistics, and renewable energy development.