It is expected that 36.5 million people will use the train services.
You could soon be interrailing around the UAE after it was announced that Etihad Rail will be carrying passengers.
The UAE Railway Programme announced on Sunday will see Rail Passenger Services connecting 11 cities around the country with estimated travel times between Abu Dhabi to Dubai and the capital to Fujairah being 50 minutes and 100 minutes respectively.
It is expected that some 36.5 million people will use the train services annually by 2030 and will help reduce the UAE’s carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent as the country aims to achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Rail Passenger Services is one of three projects that are a part of the AED 200 billion programme which includes freight rail and an integrated transportation services which will see a light rail network installed to boost transportation inside UAE cities.
Speaking on the announcement, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said at a briefing at Expo 2020 Dubai said: “The Etihad Rail project represents the spirit of the union because it links the Emirates cities and ports with one economic artery.
“It is a project with which we are proud to enter the new 50 years in the UAE. What will come next is more beautiful and greater.”
بحضور محمد بن راشد ومحمد بن زايد.. تم الإعلان عن إطلاق "البرنامج الوطني للسكك الحديدية" أكبر منظومة من نوعها للنقل البري على مستوى إمارات الدولة كافة، والهادفة إلى رسم مسار قطاع السكك الحديدية على مستوى دولة الإمارات للسنوات والعقود المقبلة.https://t.co/1IvuuwUbYb pic.twitter.com/uPLqh1niuQ
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 5, 2021
Phase one of Etihad Rail is complete and operating along a 264km route from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais, transporting sulphur.
Phase two will see the UAE and Saudi Arabia linked by railway from Fujairah Port to Ghuweifat.
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