The UAE Etihad Rail Milestone

Rail transport in the United Arab Emirates is an expanding mode of transport whose development, construction and operation is managed by Etihad Rail, the state-owned company that owns and operates the UAE’S National Rail network. This national freight and passenger railway network symbolizes the UAE’s aspirations to establish massive development projects that strengthen its position as a major regional and worldwide center in commerce, economics, and logistics services. Linked with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and the UAE Vision 2021, the development of Etihad Rail marks a significant advancement in the UAE’s greatest infrastructure project.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, affirmed that the completion of the national railway network is an important milestone in the UAE's development journey. He stressed that this project will help propel UAE’s economy to greater heights. “Connecting the Emirates via a national railway network strengthens our capabilities and competitiveness, and consolidates our unity,” he added. The UAE’s major rail project has achieved milestones in the past year, as Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah are now linked by a direct railway line under the UAE National Rail Network.

In February 2023, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid launched the freight operations’ main control and maintenance center. Connecting four ports and logistics hubs nationwide, the network will strengthen the country’s competitiveness and unite the emirates through the 38 locomotives and more than 1,000 wagons which can transport all types of goods. The network also includes a number of charging stations that are a major hub for local and regional distribution and logistics services, as it includes customs warehouses and on-site cargo inspection services. This strong local transportation infrastructure is a crucial component in the country’s logistics and transportation sector, which is at the core of Dubai’s growth strategy.