ABU DHABI: Etihad Rail, the UAE’s national railway company, has invited bids for the design and construction of civil works and station packages for the high-speed rail line connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The tender was issued on January 10, with a bid submission deadline set for May 7, according to a report by the Dubai-based project intelligence portal MEED.
The Abu Dhabi-Dubai high-speed rail project marks the first phase of a larger plan to establish a comprehensive rail network across the UAE. This ambitious initiative, which will be developed in four phases, aims to enhance connectivity, foster economic integration, and promote environmentally sustainable transport.
The Abu Dhabi-Dubai leg of the network is expected to be operational by 2030, offering a fast and efficient alternative to road travel for commuters and businesses.
Etihad Rail has already established a strong foundation with its freight rail services, which link industrial hubs and ports across the country. The expansion into high-speed passenger rail is a natural progression, reflecting the UAE’s focus on sustainable infrastructure development.
Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative
The high-speed rail project aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, as it aims to reduce carbon emissions by shifting passenger and freight traffic from road to rail.
It is also part of a broader regional effort to develop integrated transport systems, including the proposed GCC Railway Network, which envisions connecting all six Gulf Cooperation Council member states.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the project is expected to boost economic activity by facilitating faster movement of goods and people between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It will also create significant job opportunities during the construction and operational phases and enhance tourism by offering a convenient travel option for visitors.
The Abu Dhabi-Dubai rail is poised to become a transformative infrastructure project for the UAE, serving as a model for similar initiatives across the Gulf region and contributing to the nation’s long-term vision for sustainable growth.
