The Etihad Rail network is a transformative transportation system in the UAE, which is designed to connect major cities and industrial zones, and serves as a vital link for the country’s economic growth and sustainability.
The Etihad Rail map showcases an extensive network that spans over 1,200 kilometers, connecting major urban centres like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain, as well as industrial hubs and ports.
The railway line will also connect to Oman and Saudi Arabia, thus enhancing logistics and trade capabilities.
This modern rail infrastructure will also help reduce road congestion, further promoting environmental sustainability.
With its efficient and reliable services, the Etihad Rail network revolutionises transportation in the UAE, fostering economic development and connectivity across the region.
Etihad Rail Map
The railway line connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai was joined in March 2022 and later expanded to include Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah in October, the same year.
The line spans 256 kilometers between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and incorporates 29 bridges, 60 crossings, and 137 drainage channels.
In Sharjah, the line covers a distance of 45 kilometers, while the Ras Al Khaimah extension stretches over 5.7 kilometers and links the emirate to the main railway tracks of the project.
Passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, connecting 11 cities and regions. Each train will have a capacity of approximately 400 passengers.
The train carriages will be equipped with amenities such as Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and dining facilities. Different seating options, including first class, business class, and economy, will be available.
The travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is expected to be around 50 minutes, significantly reducing commuting time. The journey from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will take approximately 100 minutes.
By 2030, the railway service is projected to transport over 36 million passengers annually. It will link key trade centers, industrial areas, manufacturing hubs, logistics facilities, and major import and export points across the UAE, forming an integral part of the GCC railway network.
While the route may see additions or modifications in the future, Etihad Rail has announced that 70 percent of the network has already been constructed.
Stage one of the project, a freight service connecting the gasfields at Shah and Habshan to Ruwais, commenced operations in 2016. It transports up to 22,000 tonnes of granulated sulphur daily for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.
Stage two links Ghuwaifat in the west to Fujairah in the east. The construction stages, also known as packages, are depicted in the maps.
Etihad Rail 100% complete
On March 2023, it was announced that Etihad Rail had successfully completed the UAE National Rail Network, a massive project spanning 900 km that links all seven emirates with a primary railway.
The UAE’s network will link four ports and logistics hubs, serving as a vital part of its transportation and logistics infrastructure.
The announcemet by Etihad Rail said it will feature a total of 593 bridges and crossings, a fleet of 38 locomotives, and six tunnels, connecting all seven emirates.
This network will enhance the country’s competitiveness and foster unity among the emirates.
Although freight train services are already operational, passenger trains will be introduced at a later stage.
Etihad Rail partners with Italy’s Arsenale Group for luxury sightseeing
On Thursday, Etihad Rail and Arsenale group partnered to launch luxury rail cruises for passengers in the UAE.
These upscale trains will offer a scenic tour from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi, including stops in Dubai and visits to Oman and the Liwa desert, resembling the iconic Orient Express-style journey.
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