The program includes a national network of railway projects that link the Emirates and the key cities of the country. It is hoped that the rail network will contribute to UAE reducing 70-80% of carbon emissions over the next 50 years, a move that supports the country’s efforts to preserve the environment and achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Railways Program includes three key projects. The first is Freight Rail, which includes Etihad Rail freight services. The second project is the Rail Passenger Services that aim to connect 11 cities within the UAE from Al Sila to Fujairah. At a speed of 200km/h Rail Passenger Services will enable passengers to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 50 minutes, and from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in 100 minutes. By 2030, the number of passengers is expected to reach more than 36.5 million annually.
The third project is the Integrated Transportation Service, where an innovation center will be established to ensure the integration of the smart transportation solutions. A network of light rail will be connected to the Rail Passenger System to facilitate transportation inside UAE cities.
Additionally, smart applications and solutions will also be developed to allow planning and booking trips, integrating logistics operations, port, and customs services, and providing integrated logistics solutions.
The first phase of the Etihad Rail freight services project began in January 2016. The project will connect Ghuwaifat on the border with Saudi Arabia to the port of Fujairah on the Eastern Coast, with opportunities to expand beyond the borders of the UAE. Stage two construction of Etihad Rail was launched in 2018, where 70% was achieved in less than 24 months despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, said, “Etihad Rail is the largest project to consolidate the strength of the union for the next 50 years. It will connect 11 key cities and regions across the UAE. The project comes in line with the environmental policy of the UAE and it will reduce carbon emissions by 70-80%.”
The UAE Railways Program falls under the Projects of the 50 program, which is a series of developmental and economic projects that aim to accelerate the UAE’s development, transform it into a comprehensive hub in all sectors and establish its status as an ideal destination for talent and investors.