Work on Abu Dhabi-Dubai main railway line completed
ABU DHABI, March 1, 2022
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Chairman of Etihad Rail, witnessed the connection of Abu Dhabi and Dubai with a direct railway within the "UAE National Rail Network", in a major development within the largest infrastructure project in the UAE.
They installed the final piece on the railway track, thus marking the start of a new phase of logistic and economic integration between the two emirates, and in preparation for linking the rest of the emirates to an integrated national railway network in the UAE, reported Wam.
The completion of the main railway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai comes within the framework of "The UAE Railway Programme" which was launched as a part of the Projects of the 50, with an investment worth of AED50 billion.
The UAE Railway Programme includes a national network of railway projects that would link the seven emirates. The programme is expected to create economic opportunities amounting to AED200 billion.
Shiekh Maktoum said that The UAE Railway Programme reflects the country’s ambitions and aspirations to start the next fifty years with huge development projects that enhance its position as a leading regional and global center in the sectors of trade, economy and logistics services.
"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 centers, and facilitating transportation within the UAE," he stated.
Sheikh Maktoum pointed out that the economic effects of linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai via the UAE National Rail Network will extend for many years.
The railway which runs 256 km long has been designed as per the highest international standards and specifications concerned with environmental aspects, safety and quality, and will play a pivotal role in developing the UAE National Rail Network and facilitating goods transportation within the UAE resulting in reduced transportation costs.
The railway network comprises 29 bridges, 60 crossings and 137 drainage channels. The total excavation and backfill work amounted 46 million cu m, with the participation of 13,300 workers, recording more than 47 million working hours.
Sheikh Theyab highlighted the significance of completing the main railway of the "UAE National Rail Network" which connect the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Sharjah, in connecting the cities and industries to a safe and sustainable rail network.
"This will enhance the strategic position of the project at the transport and infrastructure levels, and also contribute to the promotion of sustainable development in the UAE, and the consolidation of its position to remain in the first ranks at the regional and global levels," he stated.
The completion of the main railway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is considered as an important phase within the UAE National Rail Network, and a main pillar in the integrated economic and development journey of the UAE, he added.
