Projects of the 50: Dhs50bn UAE Railways Programme launched

It includes a high-speed passenger service connecting 11 key cities in the country including Dubai and Abu Dhabi

The UAE Government on Sunday launched the UAE Railways Programme, the largest integrated system for transporting goods and passengers across the country.

A part of the Projects of the 50, the UAE Railways Programme envisions a national network of railway projects that link key cities in the UAE. The investment of the UAE Railways Programme amounts to Dhs50bn, 70 per cent of which targets the local market. It aims to provide more than 9,000 jobs in the railway and supporting sectors by 2030.

The programme also intends to contribute to reducing 70-80 percent of carbon emissions over the next 50 years, a move that supports the UAE’s efforts achieve its goal of net zero by 2050.

The UAE Railways Programme includes three key projects. The first project is the freight rail, which includes the Etihad Rail freight services.

The second project under the UAE Railways Programme is the rail passenger services that aim to connect 11 cities with the UAE from Al Sila to Fujairah. Operating at a speed of 200kph, the rail service will connect 11 cities within the UAE. By 2030, the number of passengers using the railways is expected to reach more than 36.5 million annually.

The third project is the integrated transportation service, where an innovation centre will be established to ensure the integration of smart transportation solutions.