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The UAE government has been putting in place great pioneering projects over the past 30 years. Among these projects, the Etihad Rail is one of the most remarkable development projects.Moving in Dubai is easy with public transport and by renting a car in Dubai. This train is expected to provide a national railway network for the service of the expanding industries of the country. Although it was initially aimed at freight services it is now also offering passenger services.
Now that the infrastructure is fully finished. Here is the summary of phases of the Etihad Rail Project.
Phase I: The Building of The Etihad Rail Network
Inception of the Etihad Rail project was in the year 2009 and Phase I was finished in the year 2016. This means that the cargo trade trains started their operations across the country. The very first two trains could carry 22,000 tons of Sulphur on one trip. This removed the need for 300 truck trips per train operation and emissions of carbon dioxide decreased by 80%.
The plan of this phase involved bringing in from the USA seven Electro-Motive Diesel locomotives. As these consist of the latest in-cabin European signals system. The assigned train for each locomotive had 110 wagons, equipped with safe-guard mechanisms.
Main features in Phase I are:
- 264 km of railway route used for the transportation of granulated Sulphur. It was from Shah and Habshan gas fields to Ruwais port.
- Acquisition of ETCS (European Train Control System) for operational safety.
- Including odometer, GPS, and radar technologies that enable accurate positioning.
Phase II: Expand and Connect
Phase II incorporated the Etihad Rail network which is the extension of all seven emirates. This links with the five adjoining GCC countries that it mainly includes. The project builds an additional 605 km of track from Ghuwaifat, which is close to the Saudi border, to Fujairah.
Locomotive and Infrastructure Upgrades
- 38 new locomotives were purchased to manage 100-wagon trains. It can substitute 5,600 trucks a day.
- Different types of wagons were included. They were for bulk storage, temperature-controlled goods, flatbeds, and intermodal steel containers.
Strategic Industrial and Port Connectivity
The two prominent ports were connected within industries and trading hubs.
- The significant accomplishment is the completion of the 1 km Khalifa Port to the mainland bridge.
- They have developed multi-span under bridge structures. Such as the 600m bridge that spans across the Al Bithnah, Fujairah River to facilitate trade routes.
Package Breakdown of Phase II
- Package A: The 139 km track was constructed linking Ruwais to Ghuwaifat.
- Package B and C: Connected to Tariff from Saih Shuaib (216 km) and Jebel Ali to Sharjah (94 km).
- Package D: The 132 km track linking Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah was completed.
Key Highlights of Etihad Rail
Services:
Abu Dhabi-Dubai Link
The completed 256-km track joins Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the month of April 2022. It was done with 47 million man-hours labor involving 13,000 workers. The route has 60 crossings, 29 bridges, and 137 drainage channels.
Passenger Rail Services
Meanwhile, the UAE is getting the Spanish company CAF to supply and maintain a passenger. The new trains expected to be laid this year are scheduled to arrive soon.
Nationwide Freight Operations
In February 2023, the UAE inaugurated the main center for control and maintenance of freight trains. The transportation network is equipped with 38 locomotives and 1,000 wagons. It now connects not only to three major ports but also to seven logistics centers. Including Fujairah Port, Ruwais, Khalifa Port, and Jebel Ali Port.
1. Passenger Train: Bridging Cities
The service for passengers is planned to serve about 36 million people by 2030. However, no concrete deadline of completion has been given. Although there is already a trial operating between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Routes of passenger Train
The railway will run along Emirates Road (E611) close to the Expo City Dubai and Al Maktoum International Airport.
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai: ~50 minutes
- Fujairah to Abu Dhabi: ~100 minutes
Integration with Public Transport
The aim of Etihad Rail is to provide the passengers with an easy travel experience. It will bring a unified ticketing system. And also make connections with existing public transport options such as buses and metro services. In the future, rail travel without borders is also expected.
First Passenger Station
Sakamkam, Fujairah will be the first station located and it will connect 11 regions. A 145 km stretch linking Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah to the network is already finished. While work is ongoing to attach Fujairah.
2. Etihad Freight Rail
Etihad Freight Rail provides efficient offloading and cargo transport service along the Etihad Rail network. This is done through heavy vehicles being taken off the roads and utilizing the rail transport method. It is used to support the logistics sector, reduce the traffic raging and support the environment.
Key Features and Advantage
Capacity:
- 38 remarkable locomotives.
- More than 1,000 freight wagons can be used for carrying many different items. Such as industrial materials and consumer goods.
Joint Infrastructure:
The freight network will run on the same latest infrastructure that will be used for the passenger rail service. Thus, guaranteeing efficiency and connectivity throughout the emirates.
Time and Money Saving:
- Borouge’s products can be transported by rail in just 4 hours. It takes 12 hours by other means of transport.
- Railway transportation decreases shipping time, operational costs and fuel consumption.
Freight Rail Terminal Al Ruwais Industrial City
The new rail freight terminal project in Al Ruwais Industrial City will take the cargo operations to the next level:
Area: More than 1 million square meters.
Functions:
- Loading and unloading operations.
- Storage and maintenance of shipping containers.
This terminal is expected to be a significant relocation point for the UAE’s logistics and industrial sectors.
Easy Accessibility and Online Bookings
Etihad Rail has provided easily accessible and reliable booking options for the freight services. Companies can now efficiently move cargo throughout the UAE and gain:
- Reduced road congestion.
- Cost-effective and prompt delivery options.
Sustainable Effect
In the context of replacing heavy trucks, Etihad Freight Rail is essential in:
- Reducing the traffic congestion on roads.
- Lowering carbon emissions, thereby contributing to the establishment of a greener and cleaner UAE.
Etihad Rail: First Look
Launched in January 2022, the railway’s design offers a futuristic, sleek, and aerodynamic feel.
Exterior:
The silver and grey carriages are marked with the Etihad Rail logo in an eye-catching manner.
Interior:
Different seating classes will ensure a comfortable journey with:
- Spacious cabins
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Charging points
- Onboard entertainment systems
- Food and beverage options
Etihad Rail Brand Identity
The brand identity reveals the spirit of connectedness and innovation that characterizes the UAE:
Logo Design:
A falcon’s eye, a railway track, and a train silhouette jointly expressed the identity. It actually shows speed, agility, precision and determination.
Slogan:
“We Move Together” is the slogan. This emphasizes Etihad Rail’s commitment to connecting people and enhancing economic development.
Impact Of Etihad Rail on Business Operations in the UAE
The corn for the operational Etihad rail project will change the business activities throughout the UAE:
Economic and Environmental Benefits
- Truck Delete:
Using 5,600 trucks will get rid of road congestion and decrease travel time. - Pollution Reduction:
Trains generate 80% less carbon dioxide than trucks moving with the same load. - Greenhouse Gas Reduction:
This network is likely to reduce greenhouse gas by 2.2 million metric tons per year. It corresponds to removing nearly 375,000 vehicles from the road. - Cost Savings:
The road maintenance and operational expense is anticipated to save AED 186 billion for the government in 40 years.
High-End Train Service
In May 2023, Etihad Rail alongside the Italian luxury hospitality brand introduced a luxury rail cruise.
- Route:
From Fujairah to the desert of Liwa in Abu Dhabi. - Carriages:
Fifteen luxurious carriages will be designed by drawing inspiration from Emirati heritage. This will create a distinctive and lavish travel experience.
Environmental Protection and Main Considerations
Etihad Rail has been implementing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in all the project’s stages – planning, development, construction, and operation.
Actions to Protect the Environment
Animal Residences:
- 78 tunnels for reptiles, 10 for camels, and 22 gazelles built under the road were constructed to protect wildlife.
- Careful selection of plants and the avoidance of breeding sites for endangered species.
Noise Control:
- The design of the project will result in zero road intersections eliminating train horn usage.
- The track will have jointless designs and ballast systems to absorb noise. Thus, aiming to achieve a decibel level of below 88 dB at a distance of 25m.
Fencing:
Installed various fences, including military, boundary, sand mitigation, and security fences, to enhance safety.
Future Impact And Economic Projections
The Etihad Rail network is expected to create massive economic growth through the following:
- AED 200 billion in economic revenue by 2050.
- AED 23 billion in tourism revenue.
- Saving AED 8 billion on road maintenance.
Etihad Rail Office Location
The main office of Etihad Rail PJSC is located in Capital Gate, on Khaleej Al Arabi Street, in Abu Dhabi. Hire a car in Dubai to get there and visit.
Etihad Rail Contact Information
For questions or queries, you can get in touch with Etihad Rail using the details given below:
Phone Number: +971 (0)2 499 9999
Conclusion
Etihad Rail stands out on the horizon of the UAE bringing together innovation and sustainability. Therefore, it is on the way to fundamentally change transportation of people and goods. While advancing economic growth and environmental conservation.
As the UAE navigates toward sustainable transportation, the Etihad Rail project continues to reshape the logistics and tourism.
