• Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed visits Etihad Rail project sites in Sharjah and Fujairah. All photos: AD Media office
    Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed visits Etihad Rail project sites in Sharjah and Fujairah. All photos: AD Media office
  • The project sites are in the final stages of the second phase of track construction.
    The project sites are in the final stages of the second phase of track construction.
  • Sheikh Theyab, who is chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, visited the sites with other dignitaries.
    Sheikh Theyab, who is chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, visited the sites with other dignitaries.
  • The second phase of construction spans 145 kilometres of track.
    The second phase of construction spans 145 kilometres of track.
  • Sheikh Theyab was told about the progress being made on the project.
    Sheikh Theyab was told about the progress being made on the project.
  • The site visits provided plenty of opportunities to record progress.
    The site visits provided plenty of opportunities to record progress.
  • The Etihad Rail network will eventually serve stops from the Saudi border in the west to the Northern Emirates and Oman in the east.
    The Etihad Rail network will eventually serve stops from the Saudi border in the west to the Northern Emirates and Oman in the east.
  • Workers and dignitaries during the visit.
    Workers and dignitaries during the visit.

UAE

Etihad Rail: First passenger station to be built in Fujairah

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Etihad Rail, visits the line

The National

June 23, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Etihad Rail plans to build its first passenger train station on the UAE's east coast, it has been announced.

The station is to built in the Sakamkam area of Fujairah, close to the city centre, Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Thursday.

The office reported that Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Chairman of Etihad Rail, visited the 145-kilometre stretch of line that is being built from Sharjah to Fujairah Port and Ras Al Khaimah.

During the visit, which started in Al Suyoh area in Sharjah and ended in Sakamkam, Sheikh Theyab inspected prime landmarks on the project’s route. These included the rail bridge in Al Suyoh area in Sharjah, a stop in Fujairah to visit Al Bithnah bridge and several tunnels that pass through the Hajar Mountains.

The move represents another major step forward for Etihad Rail's network with the railway line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai completed in March.

Once operational, passenger trains will travel at speeds of up to 200 kilometres an hour and can carry about 400 people. The services will link 11 cities and areas across the UAE.

No start date for the passenger service has been made public, but officials have said more than 36 million people will use the service annually by 2030.

Etihad Rail's network runs across the UAE. Photo: Etihad Rail
Etihad Rail's network runs across the UAE. Photo: Etihad Rail

Trains deal signed

Sheikh Theyab, who was accompanied by Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, also witnessed the signing of a deal between Etihad Rail and Spain’s CAF company for designing, manufacturing, supplying and maintaining passenger trains for the rail project valued at Dh1.2 billion ($326.7 million).

Sheikh Theyab noted the support and guidance of the President, Sheikh Mohamed, for Etihad Rail’s ambitious national project over the past years.

He also lauded the deal, which is a major step forward in the development of the UAE’s passenger service.

"The agreement was signed in Sakamkam area, where the first passenger train station will be built in the heart of Fujairah city," Abu Dhabi Media Office reported.

Passenger service a major step forward

A launch date for the passenger service has not yet been announced, but carriages will be equipped with vital amenities such as Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points and various food and beverages options.

There will also be different seating segments, including first class, business class and economy.

Customers can expect a travel time of 50 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and about 100 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, cutting commutes significantly. Construction of the UAE-wide network is advancing rapidly with close to 70 per cent of the twin-track route built.

The line from Sharjah to the east coast comprises 54 bridges and 20 wildlife crossing points. It also has nine tunnels, which extend for 6.9km through the Hajar Mountains, including the largest heavy freight railway tunnel in the Arabian Gulf that runs for 1.8km.

In November 2021, Etihad Rail completed the excavation works for all rail tunnels in this route, two months ahead of schedule and in compliance with the highest safety and sustainability standards. This was achieved using the latest tunnelling equipment and the best modern technology.

News of the first passenger station comes a day after Etihad Rail posted details of a huge bridge over the Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. The bridge will allow carriages to gain access to Jebel Ali Port through a terminal there.

The train will also boost the UAE's sustainability efforts. Carbon emissions will be reduced by 70 to 80 per cent, compared with the amount emitted by lorries, with one single train journey replacing about 300 lorries on the road.

The Etihad Rail route - in pictures

  • Railroad workers preparing tracks at a depot in January 2022. There has been rapid progress on a new line that will eventually carry passengers. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
    Railroad workers preparing tracks at a depot in January 2022. There has been rapid progress on a new line that will eventually carry passengers. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
  • The new Etihad Rail line will connect 11 cities and areas across the UAE from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the north.
    The new Etihad Rail line will connect 11 cities and areas across the UAE from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the north.
  • Work on the railway at Saih Shuaib.
    Work on the railway at Saih Shuaib.
  • Etihad Rail workers on a railroad overpass along the E77 and E611 highway junction in Dubai.
    Etihad Rail workers on a railroad overpass along the E77 and E611 highway junction in Dubai.
  • The overpass view along the E77 and E611 highway junction.
    The overpass view along the E77 and E611 highway junction.
  • Etihad Rail says stations will celebrate the joy of travelling and designs will speak to regional traditions.
    Etihad Rail says stations will celebrate the joy of travelling and designs will speak to regional traditions.
  • Some of the new stations will be built in the cities but the locations have not been yet announced.
    Some of the new stations will be built in the cities but the locations have not been yet announced.
  • The Abu Dhabi to Dubai line is central to the project.
    The Abu Dhabi to Dubai line is central to the project.
  • The train driver takes the diesel inspection line down the tracks.
    The train driver takes the diesel inspection line down the tracks.
  • The Abu Dhabi to Dubai section of the track runs parallel to the Emirates Road (E611) motorway.
    The Abu Dhabi to Dubai section of the track runs parallel to the Emirates Road (E611) motorway.
  • Newly laid tracks at the Dubai South area.
    Newly laid tracks at the Dubai South area.
  • Railroad workers preparing tracks.
    Railroad workers preparing tracks.
  • An Etihad Rail worker on the Abu Dhabi to Dubai line.
    An Etihad Rail worker on the Abu Dhabi to Dubai line.
  • An Etihad Rail depot at Saih Shuaib.
    An Etihad Rail depot at Saih Shuaib.
  • Passengers will also be able to use park and rides.
    Passengers will also be able to use park and rides.
  • Passengers can expect travel time of 50 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and about 100 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah.
    Passengers can expect travel time of 50 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and about 100 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah.
  • Construction of the UAE-wide network is advancing rapidly with close to 70 per cent of the twin-track route complete.
    Construction of the UAE-wide network is advancing rapidly with close to 70 per cent of the twin-track route complete.
  • The addition of the passenger rail service marked an important moment for Etihad Rail since its establishment in 2009.
    The addition of the passenger rail service marked an important moment for Etihad Rail since its establishment in 2009.
  • The rail track snakes through the desert.
    The rail track snakes through the desert.
  • An Etihad Rail employee on the inspection line.
    An Etihad Rail employee on the inspection line.
  • Three Etihad Rail workers take a rest, with the inspection train on right.
    Three Etihad Rail workers take a rest, with the inspection train on right.
  • Stage two of the project joins Ghuweifat on the border with Saudi Arabia to Fujairah on the east coast in a line running for about 1,200km.
    Stage two of the project joins Ghuweifat on the border with Saudi Arabia to Fujairah on the east coast in a line running for about 1,200km.
  • The passenger service is expected to carry more than 36 million passengers annually by the end of the decade.
    The passenger service is expected to carry more than 36 million passengers annually by the end of the decade.
Essentials

The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Los Angeles, from Dh4,975 return, including taxes. The flight time is 16 hours. Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico and Southwest all fly direct from Los Angeles to San Jose del Cabo from Dh1,243 return, including taxes. The flight time is two-and-a-half hours.

The trip
Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic’s eight-day Whales Wilderness itinerary costs from US$6,190 (Dh22,736) per person, twin share, including meals, accommodation and excursions, with departures in March and April 2018.

 

Gifts exchanged
  • King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
  • Queen Camilla -  Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
  • Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
  • Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
BULKWHIZ PROFILE

Date started: February 2017

Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: E-commerce 

Size: 50 employees

Funding: approximately $6m

Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait

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SPECS

Toyota land Cruiser 2020 5.7L VXR

Engine: 5.7-litre V8

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 362hp

Torque: 530Nm

Price: Dh329,000 (base model 4.0L EXR Dh215,900)

While you're here
The specs: 2018 Maserati GranTurismo/GranCabrio

Price, base Dh485,000 (GranTurismo) and Dh575,000 (GranCabrio)

Engine 4.7L V8

Transmission Six-speed automatic

Power 460hp @ 7,000rpm

Torque 520Nm @ 4,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 14.3L (GranTurismo) and 14.5L (GranCabrio) / 100km

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A cryptocurrency primer for beginners

Cryptocurrency Investing  for Dummies – by Kiana Danial 

There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine. 

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Begin your cryptocurrency journey here. 

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Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
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Why it pays to compare

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.

Route 1: bank transfer

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.

Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount

Total received: €4,670.30 

Route 2: online platform

The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction

Total received: €4,756

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea
UAE squad

Humaira Tasneem (c), Chamani Senevirathne (vc), Subha Srinivasan, NIsha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Esha Oza, Ishani Senevirathne, Heena Hotchandani, Keveesha Kumari, Judith Cleetus, Chavi Bhatt, Namita D’Souza.

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Company name: Farmin

Date started: March 2019

Founder: Dr Ali Al Hammadi 

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: AgriTech

Initial investment: None to date

Partners/Incubators: UAE Space Agency/Krypto Labs 

Updated: June 23, 2022, 9:38 AM
Etihad RailSharjahFujairahAbu Dhabi