The construction of the multi-billion UAE high-speed rail project is taking shape as it is expected to link Abu Dhabi and Dubai. According to recent insights from MEED, The prequalification process is underway for upcoming design-and-build works packages for the project. The UAE’s Etihad Rail has asked contractors to submit prequalification forms by 11 September to be considered for the project’s design. The scope of the contract also entails building the civil works packages for the line connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The prequalification notice was issued in July. The previous deadline was 14 August. The design speed of the trains on the network will be 350 kilometres an hour (km/h). Moreover, the operating speed will be 320km/h. The proposed rail project will be constructed in four phases, gradually adding connectivity to other UAE areas.
The Scope of Construction of the UAE High-Speed Rail Project
The scope of construction of the UAE high-speed rail project is expected to be implemented in phases to ensure delivery. The proposed project will be constructed in four phases, gradually adding connectivity to other UAE areas. The first phase involves the construction of a railway line connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which is estimated to be operational by 2030. Conversely, the second phase will include the development of an inner-city railway network with 10 stations within Abu Dhabi city. The third phase of the railway network involves the construction of a connection between Abu Dhabi and Al-Ain. The fourth phase involves the development of an inter-emirate connection between Dubai and Sharjah. Lastly, the 150-kilometre (km) first phase of the HSR will stretch from the Al-Zahiyah area in Abu Dhabi to Al-Jaddaf in Dubai.
The Significance of the Project in the UAE
Implementing the UAE high-speed rail project aligns with the nation’s ambitions to improve its freight and passenger system. In late 2021, the UAE launched a $1.36 billion programme to establish an integrated cargo and passenger transport system nationwide. Moreover, the programme comprises three projects. The first is the freight rail component, which includes Etihad Rail’s freight capacity. The second project, for rail passenger services, aims to connect 11 cities within the UAE, including cities from Al-Sila to Fujairah.
The passenger transport scheme seeks to minimize travel times between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to 50 minutes. It will also reduce the time between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah to 100 minutes. More than 36.5 million passengers are expected to use the system by 2030. The third project in the programme, which covers integrated transport services, involves establishing an innovation center to incorporate innovative transportation solutions into the overall plan. Furthermore, a light rail network will be linked to the rail passenger system to facilitate transportation within UAE cities. These projects will add to existing and under-construction elements of the network.
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Other Mega Projects that Involve Etihad Rail in its Construction
Other than the construction of the UAE high-speed rail project, Etihad Rail will spearhead a major new railway network in Jordan as part of a $2.3bn investment by the UAE. The UAE seeks to leverage the opportunity in Jordan’s mining and railway sectors. The state-owned rail company has signed an agreement with the Jordanian Ministry of Transport to facilitate the development of railway projects in Jordan as it builds a 360km network linking phosphate and potash mines to the Port of Aqaba. Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak said: “We are keen to leverage our proven expertise in developing and operating the UAE national railway network to support the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s ambitious plans for advancing its rail infrastructure and driving economic growth.”
Etihad Rail Project timeline
Stage two construction of the Etihad rail network well on track
March 2022: Stage two of the Etihad rail network project is progressively, still on track. This came to light when the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Etihad Rail, Sheikh Theyad bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited the project site.
The visit served to review the project’s progress of rail construction from the Al Suyoh area to Sakamkam. The prince confirmed that the project extending from Fujairah Port and Ras Al Khaimah to Sharjah was still on a great track.
The project will feature a bridge in the Al Suyoh Area in Sharjah. The bridge will be followed by a stop in the Al Bithnah area in Fujairah to visit Al Bithnah Bridge. Additionally, the project will also feature a number of tunnels. These tunnels will be across the Al Hajar Mountains in Fujairah.
The National Rail Network Project will help Etihad Rail achieve economic prosperity through the development of the National Rail network. This falls well in line with the company’s goal of shaping the future of the transport sector.
Following the inspection tour, Sheikh Theyab witnessed yet another significant achievement for the project. This was the official signing of an agreement between Spain’s CAF and Etihad Rail, valued at $326 million. Important to note is that the agreement is with one of the world’s leaders in the railway sector. The agreement included the design, manufacture, supply, and maintenance of passenger trains for the project.
Plans announced for ICAD railway freight terminal
April 2022 Etihad Rail has announced plans for the construction of the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi-ICAD railway freight terminal which will provide innumerable benefits to well over 780 business partners located in the Dubai Industrial megacity as well as its surrounding areas.
The announcement was made in a ceremony that was attended by Etihad Rail CEO, His Excellency Engineer Shadi Malak, the CEO of TECOM Group, and also the director-general of the Dubai Development Authority, His Excellency Malek Al Malek, COO of TECOM Group Saud Abu Aishawareb, the Managing Director of Dubai Industrial City among key representatives and officials.
The project is rooted and centered around the motivation to reduce costs and improve efficiencies. It will occupy a total area of 5.5 million square feet and have a capacity of five million tonnes as well as facilitate a connection between the major manufacturing warehouses and centers that are within the Dubai Industrial City rail network.
A statement revealed that the terminal is a collaboration between the Dubai Industrial City and Etihad Rail.
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The ICAD railway freight terminal to cement UAE’s position in international trade
The facility is said to contribute to cementing the UAE’s position in international trade. It will also boost the country’s global competitiveness in the logistics, trade, manufacturing, and investment industries.
The ICAD railway freight terminal project aligns with the United Arab Emirate’s Railways Programme which aims to achieve and facilitate trade via the connecting of the country’s manufacturing and industrial centers, alongside opening up new trading routes.
The new rail freight terminal will not only complement the UAE and Dubai’s advancement in infrastructure and providing of the state of the art transport, but it will also solidify the country’s position as a gateway connector to South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Construction of Etihad Rail’s first 1km rail marine bridge complete
Jul 2022: The construction of the first one-kilometer rail marine bridge along the Etihad rail, UAE’s national & biggest rail route has been completed. This marks a major milestone for the project which was approximately 75% complete in May.
The construction of the bridge, connecting Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port to the mainland involved the installation of T-beams. Well, about 100 T-beams were installed while building the marine bridge. The bridge is reportedly the very first of its kind within the network.
The Rail Network project boasts a workforce of 320 workers. Furthermore, the project has clocked in well about one million manhours, thus far. Additionally, the project’s construction has been divided into two stages. The second stage features four packages. The bridge is a part of Package B of the second stage.
Taking a step further, the project also ensured that all works carried out to comply with the top environmental as well as global standards.
The Deputy Project Manager commented on the project. Kuloud Al Mazrouei expressed that the project will improve the flow of goods to and within the region. As a result, the deputy manager added, that the project would also help reduce trade and shipping costs. The Rail Network will run for a total of 1,200 kilometers across the United Arab Emirates.
ICAD railway freight terminal connected to UAE National Rail Network
Sep 2022: Construction works for the rail link between the ICAD railway freight terminal and UAE National Rail Network have officially been completed. The successful completion of the connection between the railway freight terminal at the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) was officially announced by Etihad Rail.
The link runs to the port of Fujairah on the eastern coast of the borders of Saudi Arabia. Additionally and important to note that it passes through key manufacturing hubs as well as urban centers.
Scope and expectations for the project
Mainly the project involved tracklaying works. However, Etihad rail also ran all the necessary operational tests on the line.
ICAD railway freight terminal is reportedly the largest inland freight railway terminal within the country as well as the UAE National Rail Network. Its completion and connection to the UAE national rail network align superbly with the goals of the UAE Railway Programme.
It aims to connect key centers of industry and production within the country as well as open new trade routes. The program also aims to facilitate the population’s movement(s) as best as possible.
Comments on the ICAD railway freight terminal and UAE National Rail Network connection project
The Executive Director of the Rail Relations Sector at Etihad Rail spoke about the project. Mohammed Al Marzouqi noted that the connection of the freight terminal at ICAD with Etihad Rail’s main line marks the opening of a long-awaited door.
The Executive Director said the connection ensures their readiness to begin the provision of logistics solutions. These solutions would be through the linking of Abu Dhabi with several industrial centers. Additionally, Mohammed Al Marzouqi stated that the project has brought the firm closer to providing a fully integrated transportation system. The system according to Al Marzouqi cuts across not just Abu Dhabi but the emirates as a whole.
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