Megaproject update: The Etihad Rail network is now complete

The network will link span 1,200 kilometres and connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Europe has the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Swiss Alps has The Glacier Express and the UAE will soon have Etihad Rail. In exciting megaproject news, the UAE has revealed that the rail network is now complete.

Etihad Rail is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the world. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced that one hundred per cent of the construction of the UAE network and Al Dhafra region have been completed.

While we can’t jump abroad Etihad Rail just yet, the company released a video on social media tracking its progress. In the video, it declares key facts and figures: 28,000 experts and workers, 120 million cubic metres of excavation works and 133 million manhours.

The first stage of construction began in 2016, and the second stage began in 2020. The train line connects 11 cities across seven Emirates. The rail line will link Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but the whole network will stretch 1,200 kilometres from Fujairah to Ghuweifat on the border of Saudi Arabia. The track connects the Emirates via Abu Dhabi, KIZAD, Khalifa Port, Jebel Ali Port, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid declared: “We are proud of the performance of our sons and daughters who have worked hard over the years to build an ambitious strategic project that will propel our national economy to greater heights. Connecting the Emirates via a national railway network strengthens our capabilities and competitiveness and consolidates our unity.”

We look forward to jumping on board. 

GO: Visit www.etihadrail.ae for more information.