• Etihad Rail launches a framework to align future financing with its ESG strategy, driving green investments.
• The initiative supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, emphasizing clean transportation and sustainable infrastructure.
• The framework offers clear guidelines for green loans, bonds, and sustainable investment decisions.

Etihad Rail, the UAE’s rail network developer and operator, has taken a significant step towards sustainability by launching a Sustainable Finance Framework. This framework is designed to align future financing with the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, reinforcing its commitment to green investments in transportation and infrastructure.

The framework sets out comprehensive guidelines for potential investments in areas such as clean transportation, green buildings, and pollution prevention and control. It adheres to green loan and bond principles, detailing the use of proceeds, project evaluation and selection, as well as proceeds management and reporting.

CFO Ali Tabbal emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative, stating, “The framework provides a clear roadmap for integrating ESG considerations into investment decisions.” He added that it would bolster the UAE’s efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, aligning with the nation’s broader environmental goals.

Spanning 900 kilometers, Etihad Rail’s network connects key industrial and commercial centers across the UAE, linking them to vital terminals like Ghuwaifat at the Saudi border and major ports such as Fujairah near Oman. This infrastructure is crucial for the UAE’s transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

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On social media, Etihad Rail reiterated its commitment: “As part of our continuing pursuit to shift towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy and contribute to the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, we launched our Sustainable Finance Framework, a comprehensive guide to link the company’s future financings to its ESG strategy to deliver green transportation services, green buildings, and pollution prevention and control.“

This move not only strengthens Etihad Rail’s green credentials but also positions it as a key player in the UAE’s broader sustainability agenda.