UAE’s Etihad Rail is set to fund eco-friendly investments in transport and infrastructure through a new sustainable finance framework unveiled on Wednesday. The framework aims to align future financing with the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy.
This initiative provides expertise and insights to ensure conformity with green loan and bond principles.
Ali Tabbal, CFO of Etihad Rail, commented, “By adopting responsible financial practices, we highlight our commitment to integrating sustainable practices and generating positive impacts across transportation, logistics, and infrastructure.”
The framework offers a structured approach to incorporating ESG considerations into investment decisions, enabling long-term sustainable value.
Developed in partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank and Standard Chartered Bank, and validated by Det Norske Veritas, the framework includes four key elements: adherence to international green loan and bond principles, allocation of proceeds to sustainable projects, rigorous project evaluation, and transparent reporting.
Etihad Rail believes the framework will guide investment choices and promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry stakeholders.
Its 1,200 km network will connect from the Saudi Arabian border to Oman, with future plans to link to a network spanning the six GCC countries.
