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The Etihad Rail network, a massive railway project in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is nearing completion and promises to change travel within the country and potentially the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments:
The Sandpiercer network, the UAE’s national railway network, is now 100% complete. Travel times for future passenger train services have been confirmed for some routes:
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai: 57 minutes
- Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais: 70 minutes
- Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: 105 minutes
The first two confirmed passenger station locations are:
- Sakamkam, Fujairah
- Sharjah, University City
Other potential station locations include:
- Dubai (near Jumeirah Golf Estates metro station)
- Abu Dhabi (along the pipeline corridor separating Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City)
The stations will allow for seamless integration with existing public transportation networks like Dubai’s nol card system.
The Etihad Rail project has ambitions beyond the UAE. A contract has been signed with Jordan to collaborate on a 360km rail network, hinting at future regional connectivity. The most significant development is the Hafeet Rail project, a عمان (Oman)-UAE railway. Construction is underway on this USD 3 billion project. The 238 km railway will connect Sohar, Oman to Abu Dhabi, UAE. Travel time between the two cities will be reduced to 100 minutes at speeds of 200 kph. This project paves the way for the first modern cross-border train service in the Arab world.
The Etihad Rail project is a game-changer for transportation in the UAE and the wider GCC region. It promises faster travel times, reduced carbon emissions, and a more connected future. The project’s success could pave the way for a more integrated and efficient transportation network across the Arabian Peninsula.
