Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, has announced plans for a high-speed train service connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai, promising a swift and sustainable way to dart between the two emirates.
The announcement was made by the Abu Dhabi government at an official ceremony at Al Faya Depot, and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
The centerpiece of this initiative is a cutting-edge high-speed train capable of reaching speeds of up to 350km/h. This incredible speed translates to travel time of just 30 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, a journey that currently takes significantly longer by road. This reduction in travel time will not only save commuters time, but also significantly enhance accessibility and connectivity between the two economic powerhouses of the UAE. Β
Beyond speed, the train service is designed to prioritise passenger comfort and convenience. Each train will accommodate up to 400 passengers, and be equipped with a range of family-friendly amenities.
Initial stations will be strategically located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, ensuring seamless integration with existing public transportation networks such as metro and bus services, allowing passengers to effortlessly transition between different modes of transports. In Abu Dhabi, the network will include stations on Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Yas Island. Dubai stops include Al Maktoum International Airport and Al Jaddaf.
In terms of ensuring minimum environmental impact, the fleet will operate entirely on electric power, aligning perfectly with the UAE’s ambitious Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative.
The economic impact of this project is expected to be substantial. Mohammed Al Shehhi, the Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail said at the press conference that the high-speed rail network is projected to contribute a significant AED145 billion (US$39.4 billion) to the UAE’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the next five decades. This would be driven by several factors, including increased tourism, enhanced business connectivity, and the creation of new job opportunities within the transportation and related sectors.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that the high-speed train project aligns with the UAE’s vision to advance infrastructure, boost competitiveness, and support sustainable development, ultimately improving quality of life and drivingΒ innovation.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also highlighted the high-speed train as a prime example of the UAE’s commitment to innovative transportation solutions, setting new global standards for quality and excellence, strengthening infrastructure, facilitating growth in key sectors, and enhancing the daily commute between Abu DhabiΒ andΒ Dubai.
Beyond the immediate benefits of connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Etihad Rail has ambitious plans to expand the network throughout the country, eventually connecting all seven emirates and extending to the border with Oman. Not only will this improve domestic travel, but equally importantly, facilitate regional trade and economic integration within the GCC region. More information on the announcement and plans can be found here.
