Etihad Rail shows how it links key transport hubs across seven emirates: Watch

Image: Etihad Rail

The UAE’s national railway operator, Etihad Rail, released a video of its freight train travelling across the country’s varied topography.

The half-a-minute long video tracks the freight train’s journey from Fujairah port in the east to Al Ghuwaifat terminal in the west near the border with Saudi Arabia.

The freight train begins its commute in Fujairah as it passes through tunnels, crosses the bridge at Al Bithnah, onto Sharjah’s Al Suyoh. It then travels to Dubai, passing over the Al Qudra bridge located near Expo City to Dubai Industrial City, before heading into Abu Dhabi through the Al Maha forest.

The #EtihadRail route in the Emirate of Dubai is a vital trade and commercial artery, connecting Dubai Industrial City and the Expo Railway Bridge, which is adjacent to prominent landmarks including Expo City and Al Maktoum International Airport, extending all the way to Al Qudra… pic.twitter.com/yGiGULTMy6

— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) July 13, 2023

The goods train then reaches Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi and onto Khalifa Port’s KEZAD bridge. Al Faya depot is its next stop before the train heads to the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi. The footage concludes with the train reaching Al Ghuwaifat terminal.

A glimpse of the #EtihadRail during its operations and transportation of goods to various parts of the country, from Fujairah to Ghuwaifat. Thanks to our advanced fleet, we can transport all types of goods with high efficiency, and we are committed to providing safe, cheaper,… pic.twitter.com/49chfYBE39

— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) June 12, 2023

Etihad Rail’s network

The rail network currently spreads across 900 kilometres and is expected to stretch to 1,200km when fully complete.

The freight network has been operational since February 2023. Etihad Rail transports a variety of goods such as containers, ceramics, polymers, bulk shipments, sugar, metals, waste, aggregates, and consumer goods.

The railway company was established in 2009 with the first freight line becoming operational in Abu Dhabi in 2016, transporting sulphur from gasfields at Shah and Habshan to Ruwais Port. Stage two became operational in 2023 which extends the rail operator’s capabilities across the UAE from the border with Saudi Arabia, connecting the emirates via Abu Dhabi, KIZAD, Khalifa Port, Jebel Ali Port, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah to Fujairah on the country’s east coast.