Gulf Construction Online - Etihad Rail completes 34pc work on Stage Two

UAE Focus

Al Mansouri and Malak sign the agreement in the presence of Al Mazrouei.

Etihad Rail completes 34pc work on Stage Two

01 April 2021

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national rail network, has announced that steady progress is being made on Stage Two of the country’s ambitious rail network, recording 34 per cent overall progress on this stage since construction works began in January last year.

The network extends from Al Ghuwaifat on the UAE’s border with Saudi Arabia to Fujairah on the eastern coast and, upon completion, will link ports, manufacturing hubs, and cities in the UAE, and connect the wider GCC rail network.

The pace in which progress is continually achieved, provides strong foundations for the incumbent completion of Stage Two,while ensuring the railway embeds leading safety standards and procedures throughout the project, said Etihad Rail.

To further accelerate the process, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has partnered with Etihad Rail on the issuance of safety permits for Stage Two of the UAE’s national rail project.

The agreement was signed by Engineer Hassan Mohammed Juma Al Mansouri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak in the presence of Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

On the collaboration, Al Mazrouei said: “The UAE continues to successfully enhance its transportation infrastructure: a key enabler of growth in the UAE’s industrial and service sectors. Furthermore, the transport sector delivers wider social and commercial benefits, as well as additional strategic advantages, supporting our nation’s sustainable development objectives.”

Al Mansouri pointed out that the provision of advanced infrastructure for the transport sector and the design of safe, integrated and sustainable mobility networks which are ingrained with cutting-edge technology are cornerstone priorities for the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.

“Through such agreements, we look to grow the nation’s transportation sector, following the ambitious vision of the UAE government. Furthermore, the ministry utilises a wide cross-section of resources and assets, as well as investing in boosting the expertise and exceptional prowess found in the UAE. In doing so, we seek to achieve the aspirations of the government, furthering the UAE’s current and future prosperity in support of UAE Centennial 2071,” he added.