Union Railway expects to award its first construction contracts by the end of next year for a 1,300km network spanning the Emirates, its new chief executive said.
The state-backed firm, which was officially incorporated by Presidential decree in July and formed its board in September, is in charge of plans for a Dh30 billion (US$8.16bn) rail network to link the seven emirates and their various industrial clusters into one grid.
"In the early part of 2010 we will begin engagement with the market and suppliers, and by the end of 2010 we will be placing a contract," said Richard Bowker, the chief executive of the rail firm. The first trains could be in operation by 2014.
The firm's current work centres on geotechnical assessments, market analysis and issues such as whether Union will be able to operate double-stacked trains, which create more capacity and are the company's current preference.
"The capacity is potentially very high because we are building from scratch and we are not constrained by any legacies. Elsewhere trains are bound by the dimensions of bridges and tunnels, some built a long time ago," Mr Bowker said.
The main impetus for the project is the need to deliver crushed rock, granulated sulphur, steel and aluminium between the country's industrial clusters and its ports for export.
The first phase of the pan-emirates network is tentatively planned as a link between the Shah gasfield in Al Gharbia and the Ruwais oil and chemicals complex.
Currently, Union is in negotiations with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to transport granulated sulphur between the two centres, but the oil company is also considering a rival plan to pipe the sulphur in liquid form to Ruwais.
"The first phase of the rail line is expected to be our line down to the Western Region for sulphur traffic, subject to discussions," Mr Bowker said.
Due to Union's industrial focus, its tracks would generally avoid dense population centres around the country. However, the young firm was also in discussions with transport officials in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to help create a viable option for passengers as well, Mr Bowker said.
"Passenger trains create new journey opportunities as well as a safe environment that generally enhance quality of life," he said.
Key freight connections have already been identified for Abu Dhabi including Khalifa Port, Musaffah industrial zone, the Ruwais oil and petrochemicals complex, and other industrial clusters in Al Ain.
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BOSH!'s pantry essentials
Nutritional yeast
This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.
Seeds
"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."
Umami flavours
"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".
Onions and garlic
"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."
Your grain of choice
Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."
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Matthew Weiner,
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TRAINING FOR TOKYO
A typical week's training for Sebastian, who is competing at the ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon on March 8-9:
- Four swim sessions (14km)
- Three bike sessions (200km)
- Four run sessions (45km)
- Two strength and conditioning session (two hours)
- One session therapy session at DISC Dubai
- Two-three hours of stretching and self-maintenance of the body
ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon
For more information go to www.abudhabi.triathlon.org.
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
Abandon
Sangeeta Bandyopadhyay
Translated by Arunava Sinha
Tilted Axis Press
POSSIBLE ENGLAND EURO 2020 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Dean Henderson.
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Joe Gomez, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Ben Chilwell, Fabian Delph.
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Harry Winks, Jordan Henderson, Ross Barkley, Mason Mount, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Forwards: Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Tammy Abraham, Callum Hudson-Odoi.
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THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk