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UAE awards USD 8bn contracts for 150 km Abu Dhabi–Dubai high-speed line

*Concept alignment of the 150 km high-speed corridor between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Source: Railway Pro*

Etihad Rail has awarded design and construction contracts worth more than USD 8 billion for the first high-speed rail line in the United Arab Emirates, connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The 150 km corridor is scheduled to become operational in 2030 and represents a major expansion of high-capacity rail infrastructure in the country.

Etihad Rail Advances 350 km/h Corridor Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Railway Pro

The infrastructure and station works for the first phase have been divided into two principal packages. The Abu Dhabi section has been awarded to a consortium led by National Projects Construction (NPC), including Trojan Tunnelling, Kalyon, and China State Construction Engineering Corporation. Design services for this section are being delivered by Jacobs.

The first phase covers approximately 150 km between Al-Zahiyah in Abu Dhabi and Al-Jaddaf in Dubai. The route includes four segments:

23.5 km from Al-Zahiyah to Yas Island;
64.2 km from Yas Island to the Abu Dhabi–Dubai boundary;
52.1 km from the boundary to Al-Jaddaf;
and a 9.2 km connection to Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Five stations are planned: Al-Zahiyah (underground), Saadiyat Island (elevated), Yas Island (at grade), Abu Dhabi International Airport (underground), and Al-Jaddaf (underground). Works also include railway systems, rolling stock provisions, and two maintenance depots.

The line is designed for a maximum speed of 350 km/h, with operating speeds of 320 km/h. Travel time between Yas Island and Al-Jaddaf is expected to be approximately 30 minutes.

The Abu Dhabi–Dubai section forms phase one of a broader high-speed rail programme that includes an internal Abu Dhabi urban network, a link to Al-Ain, and a future Dubai–Sharjah connection.

Sources: railwaypro.com, railwaypro.com