Contractors Submit Bids for Abu Dhabi-Dubai Railway Project
Etihad Rail is advancing its ambitious high-speed rail (HSR) project, linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with contractors now submitting prequalification forms to design and build the civil works packages. As part of the UAE’s larger push towards improved infrastructure and connectivity, the project is set to transform the country’s transportation landscape.
Major Construction Milestone
The prequalification notice for the project was first issued in July, with the original deadline in mid-August. Following an extension, contractors now have until September 11 to submit their bids. This civil works contract is a crucial part of the first phase of the high-speed railway, which will connect Abu Dhabi’s Al-Zahiyah area to Dubai’s Al-Jaddaf, spanning a distance of 150 kilometers.
MEED recently revealed details about the broader scope of the UAE’s HSR network, which is designed for trains operating at 320 km/h, with a design speed of 350 km/h. This railway will significantly cut travel times between the two major cities and is expected to be operational by 2030.
150 kilometers of high-speed rail under construction
Multi-Phase Railway Development
The UAE’s HSR project is being developed in four phases, gradually expanding connectivity within the country. The first phase focuses on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai line, while the second phase will introduce an inner-city network with 10 stations in Abu Dhabi. The third phase will connect Abu Dhabi to Al-Ain, and the fourth phase will develop a link between Dubai and Sharjah.
Trains to operate at speeds up to 320 km/h
Civil Works and Tunnelling
The civil works for the Abu Dhabi-Dubai route are divided into two main packages—one for Abu Dhabi and another for Dubai. The Abu Dhabi portion covers sections 1A, 1B, and 1D, while section 1C falls under the Dubai package. Each section has its specific challenges, with tunneling being a significant focus. The total length of tunnels for the project will amount to 31 kilometers.
31 kilometers of tunnels to be completed
The rail line will have five stations strategically located across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including stops at Al-Zahiyah, Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Airport, and Al-Jaddaf. The design will feature a mix of underground, elevated, and at-grade stations to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
Cutting-Edge Rail Systems
Beyond civil works, the project will incorporate rolling stock and railway systems, alongside two maintenance depots to ensure the smooth functioning of the high-speed rail line. The new rail system will drastically reduce the travel time between Yas Island and Al-Jaddaf to just 30 minutes, transforming business and leisure travel between the UAE’s largest cities.
Journey time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai: 30 minutes
Ground Testing and Engineering Consultancies
Preliminary ground testing has already begun, with Matcon Testing Laboratory in Dubai and Engineering & Research International from Abu Dhabi conducting tests to understand the terrain and soil conditions along the proposed route. The engineering consultancy firms Sener and Ineco are overseeing the design and engineering aspects of the project, bringing global expertise to this large-scale infrastructure initiative.