Etihad Rail - the master developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network - on Tuesday announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sharjah Cement Factory, a venture of Sharjah Cement & Industrial Development Company (SCIDC), marking the first prospective customer for Stage Three of the rail network. The agreement will see Sharjah Cement Factory use rail for the efficient transport of basic raw materials and cement to its customers throughout the UAE. The MoU, signed by Dr Nasser Saif Al-Mansoori, CEO of Etihad Rail, and Ahmad Abdalla Al Noman, Chairman of Sharjah Cement Factory, will facilitate the transport of more than five million metric tonnes of cargo per year - a volume that matches more than half of the factory’s existing logistics needs. The agreement will offer Sharjah Cement Factory a logistics solution that will enhance its competitive advantage, reduce transport costs and improve efficiency through allowing the Company to use a mode of transport that is safer and more environmentally friendly than trucks. Sharjah Cement Factory was the first venture set up by the Sharjah Cement & Industrial Development Company to help support the industries in the northern emirate. Since its inception 35 years ago, the factory now has the total installed capacity of clinker at 2.2 million tonnes per year and an annual cement grinding capacity of 4.27 million tonnes. Commenting on the MoU, Dr Al-Mansoori, CEO of Etihad Rail, said: “The agreement with Sharjah Cement Factory is of great significance as it marks Etihad Rail’s first customer for Stage Three of the strategic national rail project, which will contribute to the UAE’s economic growth. We are delighted to provide the local factory with a sustainable transport solution that will positively impact their customers and the UAE community, in line with UAE Vision 2021.” Ahmad Abdalla Al Noman, Chairman of Sharjah Cement Factory, added: “As a local building materials manufacturer, an efficient distribution system is critical for our competitive growth.  Rail is globally preferred as a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly mode of transport for cement than trucks, and we look forward to using the Etihad Rail network to further enhance the efficiency of our distribution system to our customers.” Today’s signing with Sharjah Cement Factory marks Etihad Rail’s first prospective customer for Stage Three, with an impressive list of customers Stage Two already secured. From Gulf Today