ETIHAD Rail is considering prequalification bids to design and build the first phase of a high-speed network in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A 150km line will link Abu Dhabi with Dubai.
Further development of the network will include up to 10 stations in Abu Dhabi and new lines between Abu Dhabi and Al-Ain and Dubai and Sharjah. Trains are expected to operate on the new lines at up to 320km/h. The network will include 31km of tunnels.
The first phase is scheduled to open in 2030, with stations at Abu Dhabi Al-Zahiyah, Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Airport, and Dubai Al-Jaddaf. The new line will include underground, elevated and at-grade sections, and provide a journey time of 30 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The likely cost of the high-speed network has not been disclosed.
Preliminary ground testing for the first phase has begun, with Matcon Testing Laboratory in Dubai and Engineering & Research International from Abu Dhabi investigating the terrain and soil conditions along the proposed route, together with engineering consultants Sener and Ineco.
Etihad Rail currently operates freight trains on the conventional rail network in the UAE, totalling 1200km. A public passenger service was expected to commence this year, with a journey time of just under 1 hour scheduled for trains running between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, although no date for this has yet been confirmed. Construction began earlier this year on a new conventional line that will link the UAE with Oman, which is being developed by Hafeet Rail, a joint venture of Etihad Rail and Oman Rail.
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