Etihad Rail: 9 amazing facts about this growing network

The UAE’s national rail network has had a remarkable year as it inaugurated a new network expansion, launched freight operations across the UAE, and revealed glimpses of its passenger train services.

Looking back at its accomplishments over the past 12 months, we bring you Etihad Rail by the numbers.

1. The rail network will span a distance of over 1200 kilometres once complete. 

2. 900 kilometres: That is the length of the network expansion unveiled in 2023

3. 303 kilometres: From Oman to UAE

Following an agreement between the governments of Oman and the UAE in 2022, Etihad Rail as part of a joint venture, is building a railway network that links Sohar Port in Oman to the UAE National Rail Network, with a total project investment of $3bn.

4. 60 million tonnes of freight by 2030

With the network expansion, Etihad Rail launched its freight train operations across the UAE. The freight rail carrier is expected to ferry 60 million tonnes by 2030.

4. 120 kilometres per hour max freight train speed

The state-of-the-art freight trains have a maximum speed limit of 120 kilometres per hour while the planned passenger trains will wizz past the landscape with speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour. The speed of travel is expected to shorten journey times between the emirates considerably. For example, travel time between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is expected to be reduced to just 50 minutes.

5. 38 locomotives and more than 1,000 wagons

The freight train fleet comprising of 38 locomotives and more than 1,000 wagons will be part of the cargo operations. The standard width of the rail is 1,435 metres, and it operates under the European ETCS level 2 signalling system.

It has been specially designed to withstand the geographical nature, climatic conditions, high temperatures and humidity in the GCC region to ensure high levels of performance, efficiency and sustainability.

6. Across the seven emirates: From Ghuweifat to Fujairah

The rail network stretches across the seven emirates of the UAE, connecting Fujairah in the east to Al Ghuwaifat in the west.

7. 4 major ports

Etihad Rail transports freight such as granulated sulphur from sources at Shah and Habshan to export in Ruways, establishing rail as a safe and sustainable mode of transport with a proven track record.

The rail connects major ports such as:

• Khalifa Port
• Jebel Ali Port
• Al Ghayel Dry Port
• Fujairah Port

8. First passenger station to built in Sakamkam in Fujairah

Etihad Rail announced in 2022, that the first passenger train station will be located in Fujairah and will connect 11 regions across the UAE, once completed.

9. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor 

The rail network is a key part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), announced earlier this year at the G20 summit.

The trade corridor links India’s western coast to Greece in Europe as it passes through the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Here is a video shared by Etihad Rail showcasing its journey across the UAE:

The #EtihadRail route in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is distinguished for its connection to the main ports and key industrial centers in the country, such as Khalifa Port, Khalifa Industrial Zone (Kizad), and Abu Dhabi Industrial City (ICAD), all the way to Al Dhafra Region. This… pic.twitter.com/xkRvsDTCyR

— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) July 3, 2023