The United Arab Emirates is embarking on an ambitious project to revolutionize transportation within the country with the construction of a 900-kilometer high-speed rail network. This ambitious undertaking will connect all seven emirates, significantly reducing travel times and boosting economic growth.
The centerpiece of this project will be a high-speed rail line connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi, reducing travel times between the two major cities to less than an hour. This ambitious project will see Etihad Rail partner with Spain’s Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) to design, manufacture, supply, and maintain the passenger trains.
These high-speed trains, capable of reaching speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour, will feature first, business, and economy class options, accommodating over 400 passengers per train. The network is designed to significantly reduce travel times across the emirates, offering a significant improvement in connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors.
“The project will enable seamless connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, significantly reducing travel times,” stated Etihad Rail in a recent announcement. “It will also enhance the quality of life for citizens, residents and visitors while strengthening socioeconomic ties between the emirates.”
The high-speed rail network is expected to transport an estimated 36 million passengers annually by 2030. It will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, including key areas such as Al Sila, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, and Abu Dhabi.
Construction on this ambitious project is expected to continue over the next 10 years, with the Dubai-Abu Dhabi section slated for completion by 2027.
This project aligns with the UAE’s vision for sustainable economic growth and reinforces its position as a global leader in infrastructure development.