Completion of the UAE National Rail Network Leads to Linking Emirates, Ports & Logistics Hubs

The Etihad Rail’s freight services are finally totally functional. According to one of the latest Twitter posts of the Etihad Rail company, as of now all types of goods and materials can be moved across the country, as the UAE National Rail Network connects all seven emirates. The services will be in high demand among business companies, investors and any customers interested in holistic freightage solutions.

Etihad Rail auspiciously accomplished the UAE National Rail Network that spans over 900 km throughout the country, connecting the emirates with a primary line. Moreover, the rail network will connect 4 Emirati ports and 7 logistic hubs. The line comes with 593 bridges and crossings, 6 tunnels and 38 locomotives running up to 120 km/h. The UAE National Rail Network will become an important part of the country’s transportation infrastructure.

The initial stage of the project has been operating since 2016. It’s expected that the rail network will contribute to the UAE economy at the value of AED 200B (USD 54.5B), saving AED 8B (USD 2.2B) in the cost of road maintenance. It’s worth noting that 70% of materials which were used in the creation of the project are made by local industries. The UAE National Rail Network corresponds to the Emirati sustainable development goals, and it’s planned that it will achieve the UAE Net Zero by 2050 by decreasing carbon emissions and road transportation emissions by 21% and 40% respectively.

The opening ceremony of the rail network was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai in February 2023. He stated that the connection of the country via the national rail network strengthened the capability, competitiveness and unity of the UAE.