The group’s hospitals continued to be a core driver of its performance, with net profit from these businesses jumping more than 31 per cent to Dh137 million
business2 hours ago
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are now linked by a direct railway line. Once fully operational in the next few years, passenger trains will see residents travel between the two Emirates in under 50 minutes.
Part of the National Rail Network, the line between the UAE Capital and Dubai took 47 million working hours and 27 months to build.
The 256km-long track includes 29 bridges, 60 crossings and 137 drainage channels. The total excavation and backfill work amounted 46 million cubic metres. Over 13,300 workers took part in the construction process.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, posted a video and photos of the historic moment, tweeting that he witnessed it with Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Chairman of Etihad Rail.
The two leaders installed the final piece on the railway track.
The UAE Railway Programme was launched as a part of Projects of the 50, with an investment of Dh50 billion. It includes a national network of railway projects that would link the seven emirates. The programme is expected to create economic opportunities amounting to Dh200 billion.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed tweeted: “The completion of this link between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is a great achievement for Etihad Railways … The economic and developmental benefits will extend for many years and the competitiveness of the UAE will rise. Most importantly, the spirit of the union will take root among all regions of the country with this great national project.”
ALSO READ:
Etihad Rail’s passenger services will be the first of its kind, connecting the cities and regions of the UAE. The National Railways Programme, which was launched by the UAE government in December 2021, forms the largest land transport system in the country.
The passenger trains will strengthen connectivity between the UAE by connecting 11 cities and locations from Al Sila to Fujairah. Travelling at a speed of 200kmph, with a capacity of 400 passengers per train, the number of users is expected to increase to more than 36.5 million annually across the country by 2030.
Passengers will be able to commute between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in 100 minutes; between Dubai and Fujairah in 50; and between Abu Dhabi and Al Ruwais in 70 minutes.
sahim@khaleejtimes.com
The group’s hospitals continued to be a core driver of its performance, with net profit from these businesses jumping more than 31 per cent to Dh137 million
business2 hours ago
Directives issued to step up pre-monsoon cleaning drives, surveillance activities
asia2 hours ago
Temperature expected to touch a maximum of 43ºC in internal areas
uae3 hours ago
Some studies suggest that certain types of music, like classical or ambient, might be beneficial for cognitive tasks requiring concentration and attention
uae5 hours ago
The 32-year-old, who came out of retirement last month, is grateful to have another crack at the World Cup
cricket11 hours ago
'My kids' hero is Ronaldo' now I hope it's me' said the 2024 World Snooker Champion after his opponent Jones lost the first seven frames of the best of 35 frames contest
sports11 hours ago
The authority is dedicated to upgrading its patrol vehicles, including electric or hybrid models, to enhance police operations
uae11 hours ago
’He always had a smile about him and would firmly hold on to his mother’s hand when she dropped him off for private tuition classes', one said
uae11 hours ago