New rail network on track to bring billions into UAE economy

Salim A. Essaid

The Dubai metro track is seen along Dubai's Shiekh Zayed road on September 09, 2009, as the UAE opens its new metro network in a bid to cut dependency on cars and ease congestion. Dubai is the first city in the oil-rich Gulf to introduce rail as a commuting option. (Photo by KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images) — The Dubai metro track is seen along Dubai's Shiekh Zayed road on Sept. 9, 2009, as the United Arab Emirates opens its new metro network in a bid to cut dependency on cars and ease congestion. — KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images

DUBAI — The United Arab Emirates officially launched its transnational freight train network on Thursday, a project expected to contribute $54.46 billion to the country’s economy over the next 50 years.

It will link all seven emirates via one main railway extending 900 kilometers (560 miles) to connect four major ports and facilitate better transportation of goods across the country, according to the UAE government news agency, WAM.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE prime minister and ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the network at the main control and maintenance center in Abu Dhabi’s Al Fayah region.

23-02-2023... One day... Seven emirates... A distinguished date... The official launch of the UAE’s National Rail Network, signaling the start of operations for freight trains, according to the schedule and budget specified. pic.twitter.com/Yn2XdWeCmM

New rail network on track to bring billions into UAE economy

The railway will serve the UAE’s sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions in the road transportation sector.

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