We are rooting for passenger rail in the Abu Dhabi-to-Dubai race

The Air Bag: The logistics of a proposed superbus service between the Emirates' two biggest cities make it hard to see as a viable alternative to getting people to abandon their car commute.

There's a big fight on the horizon, with two competitors set to face off against each other in a battle royale that will affect hundreds of thousands of people.
No, I'm not talking about the upcoming Manny Pacquiao fight; there would actually be millions of people interested in that one, to be honest. In fact, the fight I'm talking about isn't organised or even proposed, but I'd love to be the promoter.
I'm talking about the fight for safer, more economical and eco-friendly travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. And the two main opponents couldn't be more different.
In this corner, with varying weights, specifications and from competing companies around the world: the train.
And in this corner, weighing in at more than 9,500kg, from Holland: the Superbus.
First of all, let's forget for a few moments how a direct link between the UAE's two largest cities would lower fatalities and accidents on one of the most dangerous routes in the world; or how it would cut the commuting time down to around a half-hour from of one and a half.
No, as this is the green issue, let's look at what it would do to the environment of the country.
Per capita, the UAE has one of the highest carbon footprints in the world, and a large part of that is due to the reliance we all have on our cars. A dedicated passenger route between Abu Dhabi and Dubai could make a serious dent in pollution, considering the tens of thousands of cars that travel the route every day, most of them having just a lone driver.
OK, let's look at the contenders; first off, the train. Unfortunately, plans for a direct passenger link between the two cities have been put on hold indefinitely as the company in charge of new rail lines, Etihad Rail, has decided to focus first on a cargo system across the Emirates.
But whether it is ultimately a diesel or electric train, the fact that potentially hundreds of people will travel the route at one time means hundreds of cars will be off of the E11. Imagine that the next time you're stuck around Ghantoot during rush hour.
And, then, we have the Superbus. An odd creation that has made its debut at the UITP Mobility and City Transport Expo recently in Dubai, the Superbus is a 23-seat electric bus capable of speeds up to 250kph. Not only will it be able to make the Abu Dhabi-Dubai run - on a dedicated track - in about 30 minutes, its makers claim, but it can also travel around town to pick up passengers, something its creator, Professor Wubbo Ockels, was keen about in its design.
What? Are you willing to ride around in the Superbus for an hour while it navigates the city to pick up the rest of the passengers? A taxi to the train station would be far quicker. And I can't imagine the size of the battery required for a 205km range at 250kph; it will be at least 1,500kg and probably more, considering the weight and size of batteries in today's electric passenger cars. Does it have to be recharged for hours after every trip? And how much will a ticket cost?
Twenty-three people vs hundreds; a questionable idea that hasn't been proven (the fastest speed the Superbus has reached so far is 140kph along an undisclosed distance) vs a system that has not only been around for more than two centuries but is still being used today in the most modern of cities around the world, ferrying people at reasonable rates.
A commuter system between Abu Dhabi and Dubai would make a huge effect in bettering our environment; but only if the right decisions are made.
I know which fighter I'd cheer for.
To mark Earth Week, The National directs its focus on the environment with Green Issues, highlighting the need for education and attention to the needs of our planet.