Their highnesses installed the final piece on the railway track, marking the start of a new phase of logistic and economic integration between the two emirates, and in preparation for linking the rest of the emirates to an integrated national railway network in the UAE.

The completion of the main railway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai comes within the framework of ‘The UAE Railway Programme’ which was launched as a part of the Projects of the 50, with an investment worth of AED50 billion. The UAE Railway Programme includes a national network of railway projects that would link the seven emirates. The programme is expected to create economic opportunities amounting to AED200 billion.

During the visit, their highnesses praised the efforts of the employees of the Etihad Rail, who are working efficiently towards the development of the UAE National Rail Network project, according to the approved timeline, and in cooperation with all concerned authorities, federally and locally, and constantly keen to provide all forms of support for this national and strategic project.

The railway which length is 256 km and is designed based on the highest international standards and specifications concerned with environmental aspects, safety and quality, will play a pivotal role in developing the UAE National Rail Network, facilitate goods transportation within the UAE and reduce transportation costs.

The railway includes 29 bridges, 60 crossings and 137 drainage channels. The total excavation and backfill work amounted 46 million m3, with the participation of 13,300 workers, recording more than 47 million working hours.