Deutsche Bahn is planning to enter into a strategic partnership for the planning, construction and operation of rail systems in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A corresponding Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Abu Dhabi today at a ceremony attended by Dr. Peter Ramsauer, Federal Minister of Transport, His Excellency Abdullah Al Masaood, Chairman of the Al Masaood Group, Dr. R'diger Grube, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Deutsche Bahn AG, und Martin Bay, Chairman of the Management Board of DB International GmbH.

Dr. Peter Ramsauer: "Germany will do everything in its power to support the United Arab Emirates in setting up an ultra-modern, high-capacity rail infrastructure. From my meetings with members of the government I know that Deutsche Bahn's experience and expertise enjoy an excellent reputation in the region. The Memorandum of Understanding represents the basis for a working relationship founded on mutual trust and confidence."

Dr. R'diger Grube commented, "We are delighted to have found such a highly qualified partner and are confident that our planning services will play a part in the forthcoming projects. Later, we also intend to deliver proof of our expertise as rail operators."

Investments in major rail systems running into billions are planned for this region over the next few years. They include projects for regional transport, a metro, tram services and the Union Railway, a planned long-distance line which will link Abu Dhabi with the southern emirates.

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the emirate of the same name and also the capital of the UAE Federation, which consists of seven emirates. The Al Masaood Group, one of the leading industrial corporations in the UAE, already cooperates with many major German companies in the execution of logistics and transport systems. With the help of DB, it is now planning to gain a foothold in the rail sector.

Martin Bay, Chairman of DB International, "We have already been doing business in the UAE for five years and are familiar with the circumstances in this region. For instance, we conducted the conceptual studies for the Union Railway and also planned a tram system for the district of Al Raha Beach. Accordingly, we see immense potential for our future activities in this growing market.