Please find attached the press release which Etihad Rail issued in relation to its selection of CAF to supply Push-Pull passenger trains. Etihad Rail is a state-owned Company of the United Arab Emirates that manages and develops the construction of the country's railway network, as well as its management and operation. The combined base contract amounts to a value in excess of €250 million.
This new contract, together with other recent successes achieved by the CAF Group as a supplier of state-of-the-art, safe and efficient transport solutions, stands it in good stead to take part in the numerous plans already underway to build the infrastructure network that will connect the member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council over the next few years, thereby further consolidating their common goals for economic and social development.
Etihad Rail and Spain’s CAF sign agreement for manufacturing and supplying passenger trains.
Each train will have a seating capacity of more than 400 passengers, and will run up to 200 km/h.
Abu Dhabi, UAE - 23 June 2022: Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, and Spain’s CAF company, one of the world’s leaders in the railway sector, signed an agreement for designing, manufacturing, supplying, and maintaining passenger trains for the UAE National Rail Network.
The agreement was signed by His Excellency Shadi Malak, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail, and Josu Imaz, Chief Executive Officer Rolling Stock of CAF, in the presence of officials from both sides, at Sakamkam in Fujairah.
Under the terms of the agreement, CAF will 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 200 km/h, which is currently the highest operating speed for diesel-powered passenger trains. The trains, which will offer a variety of seating segments, will serve as a major addition to the public transport system in the UAE.
His Excellency Shadi Malak, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail, said: “The agreement comes as part of Etihad Rail’s efforts to develop passenger transport services. It reflects the company’s continuous commitment to developing the UAE’s national and strategic project according to the highest standards, criteria, and schedules. Therefore, we ensure working in cooperation with the best companies in the world like Spain’s CAF, which has extensive world-renowned experience in the railway and passenger transport services dating back to more than 100 years ago, in addition to their considerable experience in manufacturing trains specifically in the Gulf region.”
“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,” His Excellency added.
Josu Imaz, Chief Executive Officer Rolling Stock of CAF, said: “We take great pride and are extremely grateful for the trust placed in us by Etihad Rail by selecting CAF to complete this significant project. We are well aware of how important this project is, as part of the plans to shape the future development of the country's railway sector, where CAF intends to contribute with its experience and expertise.”
This trust further strengthens CAF's unwavering commitment to the region and to promoting the development of the country's railway facilities, whilst also consolidating the Company’s endeavor to support the United Arab Emirates' strategic transport plans.
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.
Etihad Rail’s Passenger Trains
By 2030, the number of passengers is expected to reach more than 36.5 million annually, while ensuring the security and safety of operations. The passenger train will connect 11 cities in the UAE from Al Sila to Fujairah, including Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, and Abu Dhabi. Passenger services will allow travelers 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% compared to other modes of transport, where traveling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, and from Dubai to Fujairah, will take only 50 minutes, traveling from Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais will take 70 minutes only, while traveling from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will take 100 minutes only.
Etihad Rail’s passenger 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.
Sustainability and Reliability
The National Railway Network supports the growth of the national economy with a sustainable transportation system, which provides safety and efficiency. The network’s locomotives incorporate the latest technology for reducing emissions, where carbon emissions will be reduced by 70-80% compared to the amount emitted by trucks, with one single train journey replacing around 300 trucks on the road.
Etihad Rail employs the best global practices and constantly conducts environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to limit the impact of the UAE National Rail Network on the environment during planning, construction, and operations.
Bringing in Global Expertise and Knowledge in Passenger Train Services
Etihad Rail has recently signed three MoUs with Spain’s national railway operator Renfe, and the British companies High Speed 1 and GB Railfreight, to enhance cooperation and the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices in freight and passenger rail services and rail operations. This took place during Middle East Rail 2022, which was hosted by the Etihad rail in May.
In February, Etihad Rail signed an agreement with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) for financing the railway passenger transport services, with a total value of AED 1.99 billion as part of the UAE National Railways Programme. First Abu Dhabi Bank will be the Certified Lead Arranger for the loan, as part of the agreement.