| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|
| Services | Railways |
Etihad Rail, formerly Union Railway, is an enterprise founded in 2010 to develop a national railway network in the United Arab Emirates.[1] The CEO is Richard Bowker.[2]
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Etihad Rail is developing a 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) railway network across the United Arab Emirates. The first stage would be a 270 kilometres (170 mi) freight line, linking Ruwais to the Shah gas field, in cooperation with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.[3] Opening is planned for 2013.[4]
A longer mixed-use railway is also planned, crossing the UAE via Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman. Links to Saudi Arabia and Oman are planned.[5]
In the longer term, a high speed passenger rail link is being considered between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.[6]
In September 2010 Union Railway sought bids from rolling stock suppliers.[7] In October 2010 the company sought bids from track suppliers.[8] In November 2010, project managers and engineering consultants were appointed.[9][10]
On 26 October 2011, Etihad Rail announced the signing of a 3.3 billion dirham contract with Italian companies Saipem and Tecnimont and regional company Dodsal Engineering & Construction for the design and construction of the 266 kilometres (165 mi) first phase of the railroad, linking Habshan with Ruwais and Shah by 2014.[11]
The name was changed from "Union Railway" to "Etihad Rail in March 2011.[12] The brand was created by a UAE based brand consultancy, Brash Brands.[13]
In July 2011 Etihad Rail ordered seven Electro-Motive Diesel SD70ACS diesel locomotives for delivery in 2012.[5][14] This was followed in September 2011 by an order for CSR Corporation Limited to supply 240 covered wagons to carry granulated sulphur from 2013.[4]