Fujairah Gets New Etihad Rail Passenger Station
A top official has confirmed the location of a new passenger station for the Etihad Rail in Fujairah’s Sakamkam area. This exciting announcement was made during the inaugural Global Rail conference, which kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
Connecting the UAE
Adhraa Almansoori, the director of public policy and sustainability at Etihad Rail, shared some insights on this ambitious project. “We are connecting 11 cities and regions,” she said. “So far, we’ve announced two passenger station locations: Sakamkam in Fujairah and another in Sharjah, near University City.”
Almansoori further elaborated on the project details, stating that the passenger network will use the same infrastructure as the freight train network. The passenger trains are set to travel at a maximum speed of 200 km/h, with a goal of transporting 36 million passengers by 2030.
Timeline for Operations
While excitement is building, Almansoori indicated that the timeline for launching passenger services is not yet finalized. “We will announce when the time is right,” she said. Currently, discussions are ongoing with various manufacturers to ensure that the passenger locomotives are sustainable and resilient.
The Bigger Picture
The 900 km-long Etihad Rail project, once completed, will connect all seven emirates and 11 major cities from Ghuweifat to Fujairah and beyond. Notably, the UAE is the first Gulf country to establish rail connections with its neighbors.
Almansoori also mentioned the establishment of Hafeet Rail, a joint venture involving Mubadala, Oman Rail, and Etihad Rail. Named after the Hafeet mountain, which connects the UAE and Oman, this network will exceed 300 km and will link the UAE to Sohar Port, a major port in Oman. Plans for future passenger services for Hafeet Rail are also in the works.
Global Rail Conference
The Global Rail conference, lasting three days, brings together over 150 senior representatives from the global transport value chain, including ministers, industry leaders, and stakeholders. The conference aims to discuss the future of rail transport in the UAE and beyond.
A sample Etihad Rail passenger train compartment was displayed at the event, featuring grey leather seats adorned with the iconic Etihad Rail logo. Visitors could also enjoy a virtual journey through a video simulation showcasing a trip along the Etihad Rail, starting from Ghuweifat station.
Current Operations and Future Goals
Since its inception, Etihad Rail has focused on freight transportation. The network began operating a 264 km route in 2016, primarily transporting granulated sulfur. By 2023, freight operations expanded across the full 900 km network.
“The freight train can reach a maximum speed of 120 km/h, and we anticipate moving 30 million tons of materials by 2030,” Almansoori added. There are two main freight service types: one for aggregate materials, such as construction supplies and sulfur, and another for containerized goods.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability remains a crucial element of the Etihad Rail initiative. Almansoori noted, “By 2050, we estimate that the railway industry will contribute to a 21% reduction in CO2 emissions from the land transportation sector, equivalent to 8.2 million tons annually. This is a significant achievement for the UAE.”
Throughout the project's development, the Etihad Rail team has prioritized the preservation of the country’s flora and fauna. “The terrain is not easy,” she explained, highlighting the challenges posed by deserts, salty bodies of water, and mountains. “Navigating all of this while maintaining the sustainability of the region's biodiversity was key for us.”