A train passes throw a tunnel.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sheikh Theyab Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Chairman of Etihad Rail, visited the final package of Stage Two of the UAE National Rail Network, which extends for 145 kilometres from Sharjah to Fujairah Port and Ras Al Khaimah, to review the progress of rail construction works in these emirates.

During the visit, which started in Al Suyoh area in Sharjah and concluded in Sakamkam, Sheikh Theyab inspected key landmarks on the project’s route in the final package of Stage Two of the network; starting with the rail bridge in Al Suyoh area in Sharjah, followed by a stop in Al Bithnah area in Fujairah to visit Al Bithnah bridge, then Sheikh Theyab headed to visit a number of tunnels where he witnessed track laying works across the tunnels in Al Hajar Mountains in Fujairah.

Sheikh Theyab reaffirmed the continuous support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyah, President of the UAE, for Etihad Rail’s ambitious national project throughout the past years. Today, Etihad Rail is continuing its commitment to achieving more successes, building upon the foundations established by the UAE’s wise leadership for developing the transport system and achieving economic prosperity, through the development of the UAE National Rail Network.

Etihad Rail is enhancing its contribution to the UAE’s development, through shaping the rail industry and setting business models and client behaviours. The company has made consecutive achievements, which reflect the project’s role in shaping the future of the transport sector, in line with the UAE’s journey of excellence.

Agreement signing for designing, manufacturing, supplying, and maintaining passenger trains valued at Dhs 1.2 billion.

Following the inspection tour, in his next stop, Sheikh Theyab witnessed another significant achievement in the development of the UAE National Rail Network. Accompanied by Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Sheikh Theyab witnessed the signing of an agreement between Etihad Rail and Spain’s CAF company, one of the world leaders in the railway sector, for designing, manufacturing, supplying, and maintaining passenger trains for the Etihad Rail project valued at Dhs1.2 billion.

He lauded the agreement, which serves as a major step forward in the development of the UAE’s passenger transport services, in line with company’s commitment to completing the national and strategic project on schedule, and according to the best criteria and practices.

The agreement, which emerged as a result of Etihad Rail’s success at the Middle East Rail 2022, was signed by Shadi Malak, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail, and Josu Imaz, Chief Executive Officer Rolling Stock of CAF, in the presence of His Excellency Antonio Álvarez Barthe, Ambassador of Spain to the UAE, and officials from both sides. The agreement was signed in Sakamkam area, where the first passenger train station will be built in the heart of Fujairah city.

Under the terms of the agreement, CAF will design, manufacture, supply, and provide maintenance for passenger trains as per the European standards. Each train will have a seating capacity of over 400 passengers, and will run up to 200 km/h. The trains, which will offer a variety of seating segments, will serve as a major addition to the public transport system in the UAE.

The development of the passenger railway services, one of the three strategic projects of the National Railways Programme, seeks to enhance the public transportation system in the UAE and improve living standards of the UAE’s citizens and residents, while adhering to the best international security and safety standards. The passenger trains will facilitate transport across the cities of the UAE, providing passengers with a quick, efficient, safe, comfortable, and cost-saving travel experience.

Through its partnership with CAF, a global leader in the railway industry, Etihad Rail will benefit from CAF’s long-standing experience for more than 100 years, in providing advanced solutions for improving the rail commuter’s experience and providing passengers with high levels of safety, efficiency and quality.