Public transportation plays a significant role in achieving a nation’s agenda for sustainable development, economic growth, and social welfare. Countries can leverage power in trade, sustainability, and overall economic development by providing reliable and efficient public transportation systems. 

The UAE’s national railway network, Etihad Rail, connecting four major ports and seven logistical areas, and transporting 60 million tonnes of goods annually is a step forward for the country’s net zero goals. 

On Thursday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the UAE national railway network at the central control and maintenance center in Al Fayah region, Abu Dhabi.

“Connecting the Emirates via a national railway network strengthens our capabilities and competitiveness and consolidates our unity,” Sheikh Mohammed said. The ambitious development project is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region and aims to link the seven emirates with a main railway network.

The national rail network was designed to further the nation’s sustainable development goals. By 2050, it aims to reduce carbon emissions in the road transport sector by 21% and reduce road transportation emissions per capita by 40%.

The rail network, designed to withstand the climate conditions of the GCC region, features a fleet of modern freight trains with 38 locomotives capable of transporting 60 million tonnes of goods annually and over 1,000 multi-purpose vehicles. 

The project has some of the most powerful freight train engines. The network passed through varied geographical terrains and was designed with large-scale engineering plans that included the construction of 593 bridges and crossings of all types and nine tunnels.