Etihad Rail Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the UAE, is a modern and rapidly developing metropolis. Etihad Rail is the national railway network of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), established in June 2009 under Federal Law No. 2 to manage the development, construction, and operation of the railway infrastructure. The railway line runs from the Saudi border all the way across the UAE to Fujairah on the Indian Ocean. Etihad Rail is owned by the government of Abu Dhabi (70%) and the federal government of the UAE (30%). Etihad Rail, the UAE’s national rail network, has made its first passenger journey between Abu Dhabi and Al Dhannah. The passenger trains can travel at up to 200 kph and can carry about 400 people, linking 11 cities and areas across the UAE. This article provides more information on Ethiad Rail’s first passenger train journey
First Passenger Train Journey:
Etihad Rail, a railway company in the United Arab Emirates, conducted its first passenger journey between Abu Dhabi and Al Dhannah on January 25, 2024. The route is part of a strategic partnership between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Etihad Rail, which will enable ADNOC’s staff and contractors to travel between the two cities. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and managing director and group chief executive of Adnoc, was among the first passengers. Etihad Rail’s passenger trains have a capacity of 400 passengers per train Once fully operational, the passenger network of Etihad Rail will link all seven emirates, connecting 11 cities in the UAE, from Al Sila to Fujairah. The passenger rail service will allow travelers to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 50 minutes and from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in an hour and 40 minutes at a speed of 200 km/h. The carriages will also be equipped with Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and various food and beverage options.
Etihad Rail’s Impact on the UAE:
Etihad Rail is strengthening the position that the UAE enjoys as a leading global hub within the transportation and infrastructure sectors by providing more effective and reliable transportation solutions in line with the highest standards. The rail network will contribute to the UAE’s economy, with an estimated value of Dh200 billion. The rail network will offer more environmentally sustainable services, reducing the number of cars on the road and contributing to a cleaner environment. Etihad Rail will connect the UAE with its neighboring countries, such as Oman, through a 303 km railway link between Sohar and Abu Dhabi. This will further strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading global hub within the transportation and infrastructure
sectors.
Oman and Etihad Rail Agreement:
In September 2022, Etihad Rail signed an agreement with Oman Rail to jointly establish the Oman-Etihad Rail Company and develop a 303 km railway link between Sohar and Abu Dhabi. This agreement aims to reduce the travel time between the two cities to one hour and 40 minutes and from Sohar to Al Ain to 47 minutes, traveling at a maximum speed of 200 km/h.
Future Plans:
Etihad Rail’s 900 km network will extend across the UAE, connecting 11 cities in the country, from Al Sila in the western region of Abu Dhabi to Fujairah. The network connects maritime ports and industrial zones across the emirates, including Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, the Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, the Port of Fujairah, the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), Al Ruwais, and Ghuweifat.
Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 50 minutes?
Etihad Rail’s first passenger journey between Abu Dhabi and Al Dhannah marks the start of a new era in UAE transportation. The passenger rail service will allow travelers to cut down on travel time and offer more efficient and reliable travel options. With plans to connect all seven emirates and reduce travel time between cities, Etihad Rail is set to revolutionize the transportation sector in the UAE
