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A mega railway will connect six Gulf countries over a 1.999-kilometer stretch, costing $90,72 billion and promising to revolutionize the regional economy with sustainable transport and new business opportunities.
Crossing 1.999 kilometers of pure desert aboard a modern railway line, connecting six of the richest countries in the Middle East. This is the goal of the mega railway, a revolutionary project led by Etihad Rail, which promises to change the economic and social dynamics of the region.
An ambitious project to connect six nations
It all started in 1981, when the GCC was formed to unite the Gulf countries economically and politically. For years, these nations had prospered from oil exports. But after the Great Recession of 2008-2009, it became clear that dependence on a single source of income was a risk. That’s when the idea of a railway that would connect Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar was born.
This mega railway is not just a means of transport, it is a strategy for economic survival. Connecting ports, industrial centers and urban areas, it reduces dependence on oil and strengthens sectors such as mining, logistics and tourism.
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Etihad Rail: Construction and challenges in the desert
The project began in 2009, and the first stage, completed in 2016, already connects Abu Dhabi to Ruwais. Since 2020, the expansion has advanced to more than 605,11 kilometers, including a multi-million dollar contract with China State Railways.
Building in the desert is no easy task. extreme heat demands work nighttime, while shifting sands threaten the stability of the foundations. Taking inspiration from projects in China and Mauritania, Etihad Rail trains have been equipped with filtration systems and sand ploughs to tackle these obstacles.
Economic and environmental benefits of the mega railway
In addition to moving more than 50 million tons of goods annually, the railway has transported 30 million tons of granulated sulfur, reducing carbon emissions compared to road transport. This is vital for a region with high emissions levels.
With quick access to international ports and markets, Gulf countries can expand their exports of resources such as gold and aluminum. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, in particular, are prominent in the extraction and trade of precious metals.
How the railway can transform mobility in the region
Although still under construction, the railway is already opening doors to new jobs and traineeships. It could reshape how people travel and work in the region.
One of the big obstacles is change the mentality of a population accustomed to cars. Research shows that only 13% of UAE residents use public transport. Will the mega railway be able to attract these passengers?
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