Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed fixed the last piece of the railway, marking the start of a new phase of logistical and economic integration between the two emirates, and a prelude to linking the rest of the country’s emirates with an integrated railway network, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The completion of the main line between the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai comes within the framework of the “National Railways Program” launched by the UAE recently, and under the umbrella of the fifty projects. Charting the course of the railway sector for the coming years and decades, as the program is expected to provide economic opportunities amounting to 200 billion dirhams.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid stressed that the program reflects the UAE’s ambition and aspirations to enter the next fifty years, with huge development projects that enhance its position as a leading regional and global center in the sectors of trade, economy and logistics.
He pointed out that the completion of the main line of the Etihad train project between Dubai and Abu Dhabi represents an important pivotal stage, showing the great benefits of this national project aimed at linking all the emirates of the country, enhancing the transportation process between industrial and economic centers, and facilitating transportation for all those present on the land of the Emirates, stressing that ” The economic effects of linking the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai via the Etihad Rail will extend for years to come.”
While Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed stressed the importance of completing the main line of the railway network, which links Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Sharjah, as part of the work of the second phase of the Etihad Rail project, in achieving the project’s objectives aimed at the integrated linking of cities and industries with a safe and sustainable train network. This will enhance the strategic position achieved by the project in the transport and infrastructure sector, through which it contributes to promoting sustainable development in the country, and consolidating its position in the UAE to remain in the first ranks at the regional and global levels.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed said: “Our wise leadership is keen to complete this great national project within the best specifications and standards, and is betting on it to consolidate the UAE’s long-term superiority and competitiveness,” stressing that “the completion of the main line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is a major station for the Etihad Rail project, It is a major stop in the process of economic integration and development in the UAE.”
The project contributes within its objectives to linking the Emirates with each other, in a way that facilitates and enhances the movement of goods through the railway network and reduces transportation costs, in order to achieve the company’s endeavors to connect the population communities in the various regions and commercial and industrial centers in the country.
Etihad Rail is continuing the construction operations of the second phase of the “Etihad Train” according to well-studied plans and according to the approved project schedule, and the company had recently announced the completion of 70 percent of the project’s work within 27 months.