Etihad Rail will enhance the UAE landscape

In another seven years, the way people travel in the UAE will undergo a dynamic change. Cars will still be on the road. But with its nationwide rail network – that is steadily gearing up to connect all seven emirates and to transport more than 36 million people – Etihad Rail will, by 2030, change the landscape of the country.

The passenger rail is one aspect that will change the way we travel, plan our days and reduce the time we spend on the road. An infrastructure project that includes a 1,200-kilometre railroad track – necessarily changes the way a country functions.

But a less visible but perhaps more important aspect of the project is the boost it will provide to the national economy – via the goods that will be transported at great speed. Just two days ago, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the UAE's freight train network, marking an important moment for the country's development.

The strategic gains that Etihad Rail will usher in, including connecting four major ports, seven logistics centres and transporting 60 million tonnes of goods every year at a speed of 120kph, will advance not just the UAE economy but that of its neighbours. As Sheikh Mohammed said during the inauguration: “Connecting the Emirates via a national railway network strengthens our capabilities and competitiveness, and consolidates our unity.”

Any big national project, is often a matter of pride for a country and its people

The progress in construction that has been increasingly visible throughout the country over the past two years has left residents with a sense of excitement and expectation, as it signals a future that will continue to reinvent the country and its economy, and by extension, benefit their lives. Beyond this, any big national project, is often a matter of pride for a country and its people.

Back in 2009, when Etihad Rail was established, the idea of a national rail network linking key ports and cities was keenly and widely anticipated. The difference now is seeing that dream take shape, with 75 per cent of the network complete, linking the UAE with the borders of Saudi Arabia up to Oman. As any student of history will have learnt, a rail network does for a country in terms of connection and economic dynamism what few other infrastructure projects can.

The UAE already has top-of-the-line air and road networks, with national carriers that habitually top global rankings. The country has an esteemed space programme that, with good reason, is also a matter of national pride. And now it has a rapidly growing rail network that, given the railways' universal status as a game changer for a country's development journey, will be an asset. Etihad Rail will contribute to supporting the UAE economy to a value of Dh200 billion and save Dh8 billion in road maintenance costs. And as people living in the country and outside flock to it, the resulting tourism benefits are estimated at Dh23 billion.

What we're seeing is a landmark journey towards completion of what will soon be a historic national achievement.

The specs

Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo

Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed

Power: 271 and 409 horsepower

Torque: 385 and 650Nm

Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

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Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

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While you're here

Michael Young: Where is Lebanon headed?

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Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

• Remittance charges will be tackled by blockchain

• UAE's monumental and risky Mars Mission to inspire future generations, says minister

• Could the UAE drive India's economy?

• News has a bright future and the UAE is at the heart of it

• Architecture is over - here's cybertecture

• The National announces Future of News journalism competition

• Round up: Experts share their visions of the world to come

Explainer: Tanween Design Programme

Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.

The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.

It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.

The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.

Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”

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if you go

The flights

Emirates have direct flights from Dubai to Glasgow from Dh3,115. Alternatively, if you want to see a bit of Edinburgh first, then you can fly there direct with Etihad from Abu Dhabi.

The hotel

Located in the heart of Mackintosh's Glasgow, the Dakota Deluxe is perhaps the most refined hotel anywhere in the city. Doubles from Dh850

Events and tours

There are various Mackintosh specific events throughout 2018 – for more details and to see a map of his surviving designs see glasgowmackintosh.com

For walking tours focussing on the Glasgow Style, see the website of the Glasgow School of Art.

More information

For ideas on planning a trip to Scotland, visit www.visitscotland.com

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The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative