High-Speed Rail Route Planned Between Major Middle East Cities

The United Arab Emirates is aiming to connect all seven emirates through a 900-kilometer (559-mile) high-speed rail network.

The Etihad Rail passenger service will connect two of the largest cities in the Middle East, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, making the journey between them less than an hour.

Newsweek contacted Etihad Rail for more information on the project via email.

Why It Matters

The UAE's investment in high-speed rail comes amid other international investments in the technology. Southeast Asia currently leads the global community in rail infrastructure, with China alone accounting for the majority of the world's high-speed rail. Etihad Rail is the UAE's chance to keep up with other infrastructure projects in the region.

What to Know

Etihad Rail has entered into a partnership with Spain's Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) to design, manufacture, supply and maintain the passenger trains.

Each train is designed to accommodate over 400 passengers and will operate at speeds reaching up to 350 kilometers per hour (217 mph). The trains will include first class, business class and economy sections.

The network is designed to significantly reduce travel times across the emirates. For instance, journeys from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and from Dubai to Fujairah are expected to take approximately 50 minutes each.

Additionally, travel from Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais will take around one hour and 10 minutes, while the trip from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah is projected to take one hour and 40 minutes.

These times result in an estimated 30 to 40 percent reduction in commuting times, providing a potentially huge economic boost to the UAE. The railway line will also open up travel to more people.

Etihad Rail aims to transport approximately 36 million passengers annually by 2030. The network will connect 11 cities and regions, stretching from Al Sila to Fujairah, including key areas such as Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid and Abu Dhabi.

What People Are Saying

In a statement announcing the project, Etihad Rail said: "The project will enable seamless connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, significantly reducing travel times. It will also enhance the quality of life for citizens, residents and visitors while strengthening socioeconomic ties between the two emirates.

"Additionally, the high-speed train will reinforce infrastructure to drive business growth and unlock new investment opportunities across key sectors such as logistics and tourism, contributing to sustainable development for generations to come."

What Happens Next

Construction on the project will continue over the next 10 years, with the goal of completing the Dubai to Abu Dhabi section by 2027.

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