Etihad Rail, the master developer and operator of UAE's national railway network, and Emirates Steel, the largest integrated steel manufacturer in UAE, have announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to use rail as the primary method for steel transportation across the UAE. This deal is made at a time when construction of the rail network is about to commence. It will represent a key step towards easing the transportation issues associated with major flows of Emirates Steel's products and raw materials. For Emirates Steel, the partnership will help the company meet distribution needs of the growing demand for quality steel products from the region's fast-developing economies.