FirstClass Safety & Control is delighted to announce their success in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), having secured a contract with the Vinci & Archirodon Joint Venture (2F1JV) to implement two bespoke Depot Protection Systems (DPS) at the largest maintenance facility on the UAE’s railway network.

Located in the Abu Dhabi Desert, the Al-Faya Facility serves as the control centre for Etihad Rail’s entire network. It handles various maintenance operations for the new 38 Progress Rail EMD Locomotives, 21 CRRC DMUs, and future CAF Push-Pull Trains. The facility is equipped to perform both light and heavy overhaul maintenance activities within the Inspection & Passenger Maintenance Buildings (IMB/PMB/PBB), ensuring the continued growth of Etihad Rail’s Freight and Passenger services.

FirstClass has delivered two separate DPS solutions for Etihad Rail’s Freight and Mobility teams across three buildings at Al-Faya. The IMB/PBB, primarily used for heavy maintenance and refurbishment of locomotives, wagons, and yellow plant equipment, received its DPS solution in March 2023. The PMB, designated for light maintenance and inspections of the passenger fleet, was equipped with its DPS in January 2025.

Both DPS solutions are SIL2 compliant, with full digital optimisation, ensuring workforce safety and protection of the facility from unintended train movements. This achievement marks a significant milestone in enhancing the safety and efficiency of Etihad Rail’s operations.

A few key facts about the DPS solutions within Al-Faya Facility:

  • Site-Wide Digital RFID Logging Facility (LOTO)
  • Real-time data interface between both DPS & Etihad Rail Central ICS
  • Interlocks with Cranes, Fire Alarms, Doors & Fume Extraction Systems
  • Enhanced IP & Thermal Resistant components to withstand harsh all year-round ambient conditions (50°C+)
  • External/Internal Shunt Control via trained authorisation only
  • Substantial system expansion capability, to suit the facilities future requirements
  • 24/7 Support & Maintenance Contracts, providing Etihad Rail with all year-round assistance

FirstClass Safety & Control, based in the UK, is proud to continuously innovate rail safety solutions using advanced automation technologies, enhancing working environments within rail depots worldwide.

Mark Meyrick, Director of FirstClass comments…

“We express our gratitude in collaborating with our clients 2F1JV & Etihad Rail, implementing leading rail depot safety solutions into the UAE’s impressive and fast-moving rail sector. We are proud to be exporting our bespoke technological products from our UK based design & manufacturing facility, with our internal Rail Projects team from the UK installing, commissioning and servicing in the MENA region. As an SME, delivering overseas tasks can be challenging, yet the team continue to deliver well within project timescales, enhancing each system project after project”.

For further information, please reach out to discover more on FirstClass Safety’s Capabilities & Solutions