Etihad Rail's inspection train travels from Saih Shuaib to Al Maha Forest in Abu Dhabi, as officials monitor progress in the second stage of the national railway project. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
Etihad Rail's inspection train travels from Saih Shuaib to Al Maha Forest in Abu Dhabi, as officials monitor progress in the second stage of the national railway project. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
The inspection train is designated for the supervision and inspection of construction works.
The inspection train is designated for the supervision and inspection of construction works.
Railroad track workers along the Saih Shuaib line.
Railroad track workers along the Saih Shuaib line.
From Saih Shuaib, tracks are being laid north toward Dubai and south toward Abu Dhabi, creating a rail link for the first time between the two emirates.
From Saih Shuaib, tracks are being laid north toward Dubai and south toward Abu Dhabi, creating a rail link for the first time between the two emirates.
Stage one of Etihad Rail, a 264-kilometre line, has been fully operational since January 2016.
Stage one of Etihad Rail, a 264-kilometre line, has been fully operational since January 2016.
Two trains transport up to 22,000 tonnes of granulated sulphur each day from gas fields in Shah and Habshan to an export point in Ruwais.
Two trains transport up to 22,000 tonnes of granulated sulphur each day from gas fields in Shah and Habshan to an export point in Ruwais.
The second stage of the network will extend from Ghuwaifat on the border with Saudi Arabia and connect the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah on the east coast.
The second stage of the network will extend from Ghuwaifat on the border with Saudi Arabia and connect the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah on the east coast.
The fleet will expand from seven to 45 locomotives, transporting 60 million tonnes of cargo a year.
The fleet will expand from seven to 45 locomotives, transporting 60 million tonnes of cargo a year.
In March, Etihad Rail announced it had completed 34 per cent of the network.
In March, Etihad Rail announced it had completed 34 per cent of the network.
After the completion of stage two and other future expansion works, the rail network will stretch about 1,200km across the country.
After the completion of stage two and other future expansion works, the rail network will stretch about 1,200km across the country.
The rail service will carry both passengers and freight.
The rail service will carry both passengers and freight.
Omar Al Sebeyi, acting executive director of the commercial sector at Etihad Rail said everyone was working hard to achieve their deadlines.
Omar Al Sebeyi, acting executive director of the commercial sector at Etihad Rail said everyone was working hard to achieve their deadlines.
Railroad cars about to be loaded with metal rails, rocks and other track-building materials for transporting down the line.
Railroad cars about to be loaded with metal rails, rocks and other track-building materials for transporting down the line.
A locomotive at the railroad yard.
A locomotive at the railroad yard.
Omar Al Sebeyi, acting executive director of the commercial sector at Etihad Rail points out changes to the track.
Omar Al Sebeyi, acting executive director of the commercial sector at Etihad Rail points out changes to the track.

UAE

Etihad Rail project on track as key construction work finishes ahead of schedule

The vast network will connect country's centres of population and industry

Chris Maxwell
Chris Maxwell

September 29, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

The UAE's Etihad Rail project is moving full steam ahead after key construction work for the second stage of the nationwide scheme was completed two months ahead of schedule.

The train network aims to connect the country's hubs of trade and industry and is intended to greatly improve transport for the public.

When complete, it will stretch about 1,200 kilometres.

Read More

Etihad Rail chairman oversees track being laid between Dubai and Abu Dhabi

During an online meeting of Etihad Rail's board of directors, led by chairman Sheikh Theyab, it was announced that the development was on track.

It was revealed that construction work for package A of stage two, which extends 139 kilometres, and its connection through Al Ghuwaifat on the border of Saudi Arabia with Stage One, which extends 264 kilometres from Habshan to Al Ruwais, was completed.

Officials said the achievement was a significant step towards completing the network on time.

Sheikh Theyab hailed the Etihad Rail team for their achievement, particularly when faced with the challenge of the coronavirus pandemic.

He said Etihad Rail had pressed ahead with the project while sticking to safety measures.

What is Etihad rail - and where does it go?

Etihad Rail was established in 2009, and stage one of the project became operational in 2016.

Each day, two trains capable of transporting up to 22,000 tonnes of sulphur, run across the country. Each can haul up to 110 wagons on any one journey.

When complete, the railway network will link the main centres of population and industry in the UAE and will form a vital part of the railway network across the Gulf region, connecting the seven emirates of the UAE to the five neighbouring GCC states.

Since 2016, two tracks – spanning 264 kilometres – have been in operation transporting granulated sulphur from gasfields in Shah and Habshan to an export point in Ruwais.

In stage two of the project, more than 600 kilometres of additional track will be laid down from Ghuweifat, on the border with Saudi Arabia, to Fujairah on the east coast.

Indian construction workers stranded in Ajman with unpaid dues
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

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Transmission: Single-speed automatic

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Red card: Christian Kabasele (WatforD)

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Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

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The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

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BULKWHIZ PROFILE

Date started: February 2017

Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: E-commerce 

Size: 50 employees

Funding: approximately $6m

Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait

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Updated: September 29, 2021, 12:22 PM`