Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, launched the cargo train operations of the national rail network from its operations control centre in Al Fayah region, Abu Dhabi, on Friday.
Praising the efforts of those involved, Sheikh Mohammed said “connecting the Emirates via a national railway network strengthens our capabilities and competitiveness, and consolidates our unity,” he said.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and chairman of Etihad Rail, said: “Emirati talents, with the support of the UAE leadership, have turned the dream of our founding fathers into reality. We succeeded in launching a railway network with international specifications that extends to about 900 kilometres across the Emirates. We announce the inauguration operation of the freight trains throughout the UAE with a fleet of 38 locomotives and more than 1,000 wagons capable of transporting all types of goods.”
He pointed out that the completion of the network according to the schedule and the approved budget would not have been possible without the cohesion of the talented Emirati cadres.
The network contributes to supporting companies’ businesses and enhancing investment opportunities. The main line of the UAE National Rail Network extends from Ghuweifat on the border of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to Fujairah, forming an essential part of the global supply network.
The stage one of the Network has been fully operational since January 2016, where the stage two of the project started in early 2020.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, opens the UAE’s freight train network, the latest stage of Etihad Rail, the country’s mega national network project. WAM
The UAE national railway network will contribute to supporting the national economy at a value of AED200 billion, and saving AED8 billion in the cost of road maintenance. The network’s tourism benefits are estimated at AED23 billion.
The project has contributed to supporting the local industry by assigning 215 companies and local entities. also, 70 percent of the building materials used in the project are produced by the local industry.
The project also supports the UAE’s sustainable development goals and contributes to achieving the UAE Net Zero by 2050, through reducing carbon emissions in the road transport sector by 21 percent, and reducing road transportation emissions per capita by 40 percent, by 2050.
The project has enlisted 11 contractors, 25 consultants, and 28,000 specialists. It took 133 million working hours to complete, and 40,000 approvals from 180 government agencies.
More than 1,000 operational documents have been produced, including instructions, handbooks, guidelines, policies, operating procedures, agreements, and others.
The UAE national railway network passes through a variety of geographical terrains, within a large-scale engineering plan that includes the construction of 593 bridges and crossings of all types, and 9 tunnels with a length of 6.5 km. It took 120 million cubic metres of excavation work to complete, to ensure the highest levels of vehicular traffic flow under the tracks of the railway network.
The fleet of the most modern freight trains in the region includes 38 locomotives, with a capacity of 60 million tonnes of goods annually, and more than 1,000 multi-purpose vehicles.
Each goods transport’s locomotive operates with a power of 4,500 horsepower, equivalent to 3,400 kilowatts. It is one of the most powerful freight train engines in the Middle East.
The freight trains will run up to 120 km/h. The standard width of the rail is 1,435 metres, and it operates under the European ETCS level 2 signalling system. It has been specially designed to withstand the geographical nature, climatic conditions, high temperatures and humidity in the GCC region, to ensure high levels of performance, efficiency and sustainability.
The freight trains will connect four major ports. It will include seven logistics centres across the country, to serve trains and related businesses.
Journalist for 25 years with leading publications in India and UAE such as The National, Mumbai Mirror, DNA, Indian Express and former Sports Editor of eIndia.com. Now managing editor of Headline.ae, part of MEMc (https://www.memc.co)
The Real Kabaddi League (RKL), known for redefining grassroots sports in India, is set to captivate the Gulf region with an exhilarating Kabaddi exhibition match at Al Ahli Sports Club, Dubai, at 6 PM onwards. This highly anticipated event will feature two specially created dummy teams—Indian Warriors and Gulf Gladiators, showcasing raw and emerging talent on an international platform.
Supported by the Dubai Sports Council, the event symbolizes a monumental step in introducing the traditional Indian sport to a global audience, particularly the Gulf region. With a blend of sportsmanship, entertainment, and education, this evening is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of Kabaddi.
The evening kicks off with a breathtaking Arabic Emirati performance, setting the stage for an unforgettable cultural exchange. A high-energy dance performance post-match (by Zara Khan) will close the event on a vibrant note.
Bollywood legend Suniel Shetty and Indian Wrestler Sangram Singh will lend their star presence, elevating the event’s appeal.
To familiarize Gulf audiences with Kabaddi, RKL has developed animated explainer videos that simplify the sport’s rules in an engaging format, ensuring everyone in attendance can fully immerse themselves in the action.
True to its mission, RKL will showcase young and raw Kabaddi players, making this match a gateway for unexplored talent to shine on a global stage.
Lavish Choudhary, Co-Founder in RKL, emphasized: “The aim behind RKL is always to promote young, raw, and rural unexplored talent and give them a stage to shine.”
Shubham Choudhary, Founder of RKL, added: “This exhibition match serves as the base ground for the Kabaddi sport to enter Gulf countries, and I believe people are going to love it.”
The match will be broadcast live on the Real Kabaddi League’s YouTube channel, enabling fans worldwide to experience the unmissable action. The event is open to all sports enthusiasts, welcoming everyone intrigued by Kabaddi’s dynamic energy and team spirit.
World soccer’s governing body, FIFA, has confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the men’s FIFA World Cup in 2034, while the 2030 tournament will be held in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with special celebratory matches in three South American countries. The announcement was made on Wednesday by FIFA President Gianni Infantino following an extraordinary virtual Congress.
Both tournaments were awarded through uncontested bids and confirmed by acclamation. “We are bringing football to more countries, and the number of teams has not diluted the quality. It has actually enhanced opportunities,” said Infantino, highlighting the expanded global reach of the tournament.
The 2030 World Cup will be a landmark event, taking place across six nations and three continents. Morocco, Spain, and Portugal will serve as the primary hosts, while Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will hold celebratory matches to mark the centenary of the inaugural World Cup, hosted by Uruguay in 1930.
While Argentina and Spain have previously hosted the tournament, Uruguay will host again for the first time in a century. Portugal, Paraguay, and Morocco will join the World Cup’s history as first-time host nations.
In 2034, Saudi Arabia will become the second Middle Eastern nation to host the FIFA World Cup, following Qatar’s 2022 edition. This milestone further cements the region’s growing influence in the world of football.
As Dubai residents and tourists gear up to celebrate New Year, they can ring in 2025 with celebrations in the waters of the emirate.
The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has announced special offers and exclusive services during the New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2024, on marine transport means including the Dubai Ferry, the Abra, and the Water Taxi.
Passengers can enjoy views of the Burj Khalifa, Bluewaters, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Towers. Residents can cruise into 2025 aboard the Dubai Ferry, Water Taxi, and Abra, with the backdrop of the Dubai coastline, adorned with hotels, heritage areas and landmarks such as The World Islands.