Etihad Rail and CAF sign 1.2 billion AED agreement for passenger trains

Credit: Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE national railway network, has signed a 1.2 billion AED ($327 million) agreement with Spain’s CAF Group for designing, manufacturing, supplying, and maintaining passenger trains for the Etihad Rail project.

The agreement serves as a major step forward in the development of the UAE’s passenger transport services, in line with company’s commitment to completing the national and strategic project on schedule, and according to the best criteria and practices.

The agreement, which emerged as a result of Etihad Rail’s success at the Middle East Rail 2022, was signed by Shadi Malak, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail, and Josu Imaz, Chief Executive Officer Rolling Stock of CAF, in the presence of Iñigo de Palacio, Ambassador of Spain to the UAE, and officials from both sides.

An agreement between Etihad Rail and spanish rail manufacturer CAF was signed by H.E. Shadi Malak, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail, and Josu Imaz, Chief Executive Officer Rolling Stock of CAF, in the presence of H.H Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, pic.twitter.com/q3DQIQszvf

— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) June 26, 2022

Under the terms of the agreement, CAF will design, manufacture, supply, and provide maintenance for passenger trains as per the European standards. Each train will have a seating capacity of over 400 passengers, and will run up to 200km/h. The trains, which will offer a variety of seating segments, will serve as a major addition to the public transport system in the UAE.

The development of the passenger railway services, one of the three strategic projects of the National Railways Programme, seeks to enhance the public transportation system in the UAE and improve living standards of the UAE’s citizens and residents, while adhering to the best international security and safety standards. The passenger trains will facilitate transport across the cities of the UAE, providing passengers with a quick, efficient, safe, comfortable, and cost-saving travel experience.

Through its partnership with CAF, a global leader in the railway industry, Etihad Rail will benefit from CAF’s long-standing experience for more than 100 years, in providing advanced solutions for improving the rail commuter’s experience and providing passengers with high levels of safety, efficiency and quality.

The passenger train will connect 11 cities and regions in the UAE from Al Sila to Fujairah, including Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, and Abu Dhabi. Passenger services will allow travellers to plan their journeys between the Emirates and cities of the UAE more efficiently, from booking their tickets until they reach their final destination. They will reduce commute time by 30-40 per cent compared to other modes of transport, where travelling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, and from Dubai to Fujairah, will take only 50 minutes only, travelling from Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais will take 70 minutes only, while travelling from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will take 100 minutes only.

The passenger trains will be equipped with the latest cutting-edge technologies that suit the topography and climate of the UAE, which is key for ensuring high performance, efficiency, and reliability. The trains will provide various amenities, entertainment, and comfortable seating at high levels of security, efficiency, and quality, allowing passengers to enjoy exceptional journeys. The trains will be equipped with modern amenities, including infotainment systems, charging stations, and more, along with food and beverages, and ample legroom, in addition to an advanced air-conditioning system, to meet the needs of all citizens, residents, and visitors. There will also be different seating segments, including first class, business-class, and economy.