Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Chairman of Etihad Rail, installed the final piece on the Abu Dhabi – Dubai railway line as part of the UAE National Rail Network.
The event marks the start of a new phase of logistic and economic integration between the two emirates, and in preparation for linking the rest of the country’s regions to an integrated national railway network in the UAE.
“The completion of the main railway of the UAE National Rail Network project between Dubai and Abu Dhabi represents an important pivotal phase that shows the great benefits of this national project in linking all the emirates of the country and enhancing the transportation process between industrial and economic centres, and facilitating transportation within the UAE,” the Deputy Ruler of Dubai said.
The 256 km rail line is designed based on the highest international standards and specifications concerned with environmental aspects, safety and quality, and will play a key role in developing the rail network, facilitating goods transport within the UAE and reduce transport costs. The project includes the construction of 29 bridges, 60 crossings and 137 drainage channels. The total excavation and backfill work amounted 46 million cubic metres, with the participation of 13,300 workers, recording more than 47 million working hours.
The completion of the rail line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Sharjah will connect the cities and industries to a safe and sustainable rail network and is considered as an important phase within the UAE National Rail Network, and a main pillar in the integrated economic and development of the UAE.
The Abu Dhabi – Dubai railway line is part of the UAE Railway Programme launched as a part of the Projects of the 50 with an investment worth of AED 50 billion (USD 13.6 billion). The strategy proposed a national rail network that will link the seven emirates. The programme is expected to create economic opportunities amounting to AED 200 billion (USD 54.4 billion).
Country’s 1,200 km rail network will extend across the United Arab Emirates, from the border of Saudi Arabia to the border of Oman. The Stage Two includes the construction of the rail connection from border with Saudi Arabia at Ghuweifat, connecting the Emirates via Abu Dhabi, KIZAD, Khalifa Port, Jebel Ali Port, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah and thence to Fujairah on the UAE’s east coast. Currently, the construction on the UAE network is 70% completed.
Recently, Etihad Rail has announced its plans to start passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Dubai offering passengers increased comfort along the 50-minute trip and a 100-minute travel to Fujairah.
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