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Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said he was encouraged by the progress of the UAE’s ambitious railway network.
The Crown Prince of Dubai met Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi Executive Council member and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail, at Emirates Towers in Dubai on Sunday.
The duo discussed the 1,200-kilometre railway that will form an integral part of a GCC-wide rail network, including freight lines that will connect all seven emirates.
“This mega-project’s ambitious aims will have a substantial developmental impact on both local and regional fronts,” Sheikh Hamdan tweeted.
“The second phase of the project will connect Abu Dhabi with Dubai, with a total investment of Dh4.4 billion,” he said.
During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan commended Etihad Rail’s efforts to carry out the UAE‘s vision for a more connected transportation and logistics sector.
In June, the UAE paved the way for the first Dubai to Abu Dhabi train line by awarding contracts to build hundreds of kilometres of track.
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Etihad Rail issued work contracts to two companies to build a freight route between the two emirates.
The rail network is considered one of the main development projects being built in the UAE.
Sheikh Theyab said that, once complete, it will have a positive impact on economic growth by connecting vital centres of industry and transport with urban, suburban and remote communities.
With railway systems being one of the most important means of transport on which countries depend to achieve their economic and social objectives, the UAE leg of the project will eventually see Khalifa Port, Khalifa Industrial City and Jebel Ali Port being connected, among others.