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The construction of the multi-billion UAE high-speed rail project is taking shape as it is expected to link Abu Dhabi and Dubai. According to recent insights from MEED, The prequalification process is underway for upcoming design-and-build works packages for the project. The UAE’s Etihad Rail has asked contractors to submit prequalification forms by 11 September to be considered for the project’s design. The scope of the contract also entails building the civil works packages for the line connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The prequalification notice was issued in July. The previous deadline was 14 August. The design speed of the trains on the network will be 350 kilometres an hour (km/h). Moreover, the operating speed will be 320km/h. The proposed rail project will be constructed in four phases, gradually adding connectivity to other UAE areas.
The Scope of Construction of the UAE High-Speed Rail Project.
The scope of construction of the UAE high-speed rail project is expected to be implemented in phases to ensure delivery. The proposed project will be constructed in four phases, gradually adding connectivity to other UAE areas. The first phase involves the construction of a railway line connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which is estimated to be operational by 2030. Conversely, the second phase will include the development of an inner-city railway network with 10 stations within Abu Dhabi city. The third phase of the railway network involves the construction of a connection between Abu Dhabi and Al-Ain. The fourth phase involves the development of an inter-emirate connection between Dubai and Sharjah. Lastly, the 150-kilometre (km) first phase of the HSR will stretch from the Al-Zahiyah area in Abu Dhabi to Al-Jaddaf in Dubai.
The Significance of the Project in the UAE
Implementing the UAE high-speed rail project aligns with the nation’s ambitions to improve its freight and passenger system. In late 2021, the UAE launched a $1.36 billion programme to establish an integrated cargo and passenger transport system nationwide. Moreover, the programme comprises three projects. The first is the freight rail component, which includes Etihad Rail’s freight capacity. The second project, for rail passenger services, aims to connect 11 cities within the UAE, including cities from Al-Sila to Fujairah.
The passenger transport scheme seeks to minimize travel times between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to 50 minutes. It will also reduce the time between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah to 100 minutes. More than 36.5 million passengers are expected to use the system by 2030. The third project in the programme, which covers integrated transport services, involves establishing an innovation center to incorporate innovative transportation solutions into the overall plan. Furthermore, a light rail network will be linked to the rail passenger system to facilitate transportation within UAE cities. These projects will add to existing and under-construction elements of the network. |
