Etihad Rail completes tunnels on UAE rail network expansion project

Nine tunnels extend over 6.9km and took one million working hours and 600 people to complete

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, the Ruler of Fujairah, accepts a gift from Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, chairman of the Department of Transport and Abu Dhabi Executive Council Member, during a ceremony to celebrate the completion of tunnel excavations for the national rail network. Also present are Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi and Shadi Malik, chief executive of Etihad Rail, left.

Dignitaries are driven through the new tunnel.

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, in front vehicle, emerge from the newly built tunnel.

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, chairman of the Department of Transport and Abu Dhabi Executive Council Member, Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi and other dignitaries at the tunnel ceremony

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed, right, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, left, celebrate the completion of a 6.9km tunnel excavation.

Shadi Malik, chief executive of Etihad Rail, delivers a speech during the ceremony.

The tunnels took 600 people a million working hours to complete, but were finished two months ahead of schedule.

Executives attend a ceremony in Sakamkam, Fujairah, on November 17, 2021, to celebrate the completion of tunnel excavations for stage two of the national rail network. All photos: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, right, at the ceremony.

Guests at the ceremony, including Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, chairman of the Department of Transport, outside one of the completed tunnels.

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed together pull a lever to reveal the completed tunnel.

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed at the ceremony.

Etihad Rail has completed the excavation work on all nine tunnels on the UAE National Rail Network.

Once completed, the network will measure about 1,200 kilometres, connecting Shah and Habshan to Ruwais, and link the UAE to Saudi Arabia.

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, the Ruler of Fujairah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, chairman of Etihad Rail, visited the Sakamkam area in the emirate to mark the completion of the excavation works.

The tunnels extend over 6.9 kilometres and were completed two months ahead of schedule.

More than 600 experts, specialists, and labourers put in one million working hours on the project, using the latest tunnelling machinery and modern technologies.

To complete the work without disturbing local communities and wildlife, Etihad Rail took precautionary measures to limit the noise and vibrations, including using special equipment to reduce the impact of explosive blasts.

The Ruler of Fujairah lauded the efforts of Etihad Rail while Sheikh Theyab expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the governments of Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, and their unlimited support for the Etihad Rail project.

Sheikh Hamad also thanked the federal and local parties who took part in this stage of the project, and praised the team who managed to overcome major topographical challenges during the excavation works, without any accidents.

The development of the UAE National Rail Network is proceeding according to schedule.

Stage one is complete and operating along a 264-kilometre route from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais, transporting sulphur.

Stage two links the UAE and Saudi Arabia from Fujairah Port to Ghuweifat, through Mussafah, Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali Port.

It is hoped the vast infrastructure project will enhance the UAE's position as a global and regional hub for transport, shipping and logistics.

Once fully operational, the fleet of trains and wagons running on the Etihad Rail network will replace 5,600 daily road trips by lorries.

A fully loaded train emits up to 80 per cent less carbon dioxide than lorries transporting the same tonnage.

UAE’s Etihad Rail completes key construction work