Today: 31 May 2025
30 July 2021
1 min read

Etihad Rail completes excavation of GCC’s longest rail tunnel

The tunnel is part of Package D of Stage Two, which runs for 145 kilometres from Dubai and Sharjah, through the Al Hajar Mountains, toward the emirate of Fujairah…reports Asian Lite News

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has completed excavating the longest tunnel in the Gulf Region, running for 1.8 kilometres.

The tunnel is part of Package D of Stage Two, which runs for 145 kilometres from Dubai and Sharjah, through the Al Hajar Mountains, toward the emirate of Fujairah. The package includes the construction of nine tunnels through the mountains at a cumulative length of 6.9 kilometres, and additionally includes 54 bridges and 20 animal crossings.

The achievement is a significant step in the project’s development. The route passes through some of the most complex topographical areas in the construction of the network. In total, the completion of the tunnel contributes to ensuring development continues on an accelerated schedule.

All tunnel excavation operations were implemented in line with international best safety practices. Teams ensured that all construction was carried out safely, given the mountainous terrain surrounding the site. The tunnel’s excavation required 300,000 working hours to complete, with over half a million tonnes of stone removed.

The UAE National Rail Network is being constructed on schedule. Track laying recently commenced at Saih Shuaib, the rail head for track running toward Abu Dhabi and Dubai as part of Stage Two. The overall track on Stage Two will run from Ghuweifat on the border of Saudi Arabia to the emirate of Fujairah on the UAE’s eastern seaboard. At the beginning of 2021, track laying began in the Al Dhafra region toward the UAE’s border with Saudi Arabia.

ALSO READ: Etihad launches IATA Travel Pass to 7 cities

Previous Story

Afghan void could lead to new terror axis in Africa

Next Story

UAE pledges AED 367 mn to support women’s education

Latest from -Top News

World needs Dubai’s ambition: Morgan

Piers Morgan has hailed Dubai’s transformation as an example of what visionary leadership can achieve. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has praised the extraordinary ambition and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin

Mohammed honours football champions

Ruler of Dubai hails players as role models during palace reception His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, received the

Abu Dhabi sets 2050 energy vision

Abu Dhabi unveils AED400 billion energy roadmap, inked climate finance pact ahead of 2026 UN Water Conference Abu Dhabi has unveiled a sweeping strategic framework to transform its energy and water sector

Gargash: UAE’s pragmatism sets regional example

Anwar Gargash says the UAE stands as a beacon of what is possible when pragmatism and vision come together. As political instability, economic fragmentation and rapid technological change continue to reshape the

US flag returns to Damascus

Billions in energy deals and lifted sanctions mark Syria’s reintegration, as US reopens embassy and declares the war-torn nation “open for business” under new regional partnerships. The United States has reopened its
Go toTop

Don't Miss

EU unveils strategic partnership with GCC

Increased cooperation and exchanges between the EU and GCC countries

EU hails energy, security ties with GCC

European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that the