GCC countries to get connected via a rail system

Published: Tuesday, July 13, 2010 with 72 Comments

By Samia Badih, Staff Reporter  www.gulfnews.com

Dubai: Transportation projects in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait worth an estimated $170 billion will change the way trade is done. Railway projects alone will be worth an investment of $108 billion, according to Satish Khanna, General Manager of Al Fajer Information and Services, the organisers of the GulfRail 2012, an exhibition and conference set to take place from April 17 to 19, 2012.

* An $11 billion UAE railway network that will be 1,500km long is scheduled to roll out over the next 7-8 years. * Image Credit: Source: Statement released by the organizers of ‘GulfRail 2012’; Map: Guillermo Munro/©Gulf News

* An $11 billion UAE railway network that will be 1,500km long is scheduled to roll out over the next 7-8 years. * Image Credit: Source: Statement released by the organizers of ‘GulfRail 2012’; Map: Guillermo Munro/©Gulf News

An $11 billion UAE railway network that will be 1,500km long is scheduled to roll out over the next 7-8 years.

Abu Dhabi has also revealed its plans for a new rail network, called the Union Railway, that would serve Al Ain. The construction of the Union Railway is about to start this year and will cost between Dh30 billion and Dh40 billion.

“Abu Dhabi has joined the fray with a 131km metro rail system which is expected to partially start in 2015,” Khanna said.

Across the region, a GCC network will include one rail line of 1,970 km connecting all GCC countries and Qatar via a bridge. The second line of 1,984 km will stretch between Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman.

The broader perspective would be for the network to extend to Jordan and Syria, linking the Gulf with Europe and Asia via Turkey, Khanna said.

V.G. Ramakrishnan, Senior Director, Automotive and Transportation Practice, South Asia and Middle East at Frost & Sullivan, told Gulf News that an efficient railway network in the UAE and the GCC region will substantially change the way the transportation of goods and people takes place.

“There will be an impact on the transportation of goods from one country to the other,” he said. “Sixty per cent of the goods that enter the UAE are re-exported to other nations. What I can see is that with a well established railway system, goods will be transported more efficiently, reducing the congestion in airports in some places of the Gulf.”

Ramakrishnan said that the way trade works in the region will also change, adding activity at the ports. “We will see new trade lines,” he said.

At the same time, transportation of people will become more efficient, accessible and cheaper. “Right now, everybody flies,” he said. “But when long distance trains come up, people will be able to commute to neighbouring countries. People will be able to live in Dubai and work in Abu Dhabi,” he said. Harald Muller, CEO of IMAG (Internationaler Messe und Ausstellungsdienst GmbH), which is also organising GulfRail 2012 jointly with Al Fajer Information and Services, told Gulf News that a unified railway system for the GCC is not as far fetched as people think it is. “However, we’re still talking about decades because these investments and the decision making process takes a very long time and you’re going through the lands of many people,” Muller said.

“There is a real revival of rail and freight, so these plans are real and in the next 10 or 20 years you’ll expect to see these projects being carried out.”

  • Dh30b construction cost of Union Railway
  • 1,970 km of track connecting all of the GCC countries

Getting on track

Saudi Arabia is spending $25 billion (Dh91 billion) on its rail network adding 3,900 km of track through three major projects. Saudi Arabia has already begun work on four different railway projects. Focus will be on 1,000 km land bridge, East-West Railway project, running from Jeddah and Dammam and bridging gap between the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.

The project will consist of two tracks, the first of which will cover 449 km and handle only passengers while the second will stretch over 556 km and will be devoted exclusively to freight. Upon completion, it is estimated to transport more than 300 million passengers per year and one billion tons per year.

Saudi Rail Organisation recently issued tenders for the first contract on the 500 km Haramain high speed rail link between Makkah and Madinah. The $7 billion project aims to provide transport for Umrah and Haj pilgrims.

Oman has appointed consultants to conduct a feasibility study of a 200 km railway network that will begin in Sohar connecting Bikra in north Muscat and Duqum. Kuwait is also looking into a 1,500 km railway that would link the Iraqi border with the Omani port of Salah on the southern top of the Arabian Peninsula. Bahrain is planning a $8 billion railway project stretching 184 km.

Share or Bookmark:
  • email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • Live
  • del.icio.us
  • Google Bookmarks

Filed Under: Business & jobs • Featured • Gulf News

Tags: •

« Go back
  • http://chanelbagsuk.weebly.com Discount chanel handbags

    The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it’ll do even better in those areas, but for now it’s a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos,chanel handbags 2011 and is without peer in that regard. The iPod’s strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.

  • http://www.swarovskijewelrystore.com/swarovski-earrings-c-1.html Swarovski Earrings Sale

    I like to afflict your site a span times a week for brand-new thoughts. I was wondering if you possess any other topics you correspond with about?

  • http://www.creativemarineconcepts.com/2011/02/in-what-way-or-manner-to-create-good-market-research-articles/ Jamie Kinnan

    Hey, very nice blog! Beautiful and Amazing. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also

  • http://www.legalreefer.com/smf/index.php?topic=114475.new#new Brook Manhart

    The Pack needs a ball control element to their game. Grant has too much of of a workload. Once he comes out the game, the entire stadium knows a pass is coming. Report this comment Reply Mark says: July 26, 2010 at 8:33 pm jimmy, winning teams usually get more pro-bowlers than they deserve. Teams that get a lot of ink get higher numbers. Its pretty meaningless. #4 made the pro-bowl with the Jets based on early voting, how is that relevant. The Saints had a lot of holes but got by on aggressive play calling and a reliable QB, not great talent. Report this comment Reply jimmyus333333 says: July 26, 2010 at 11:55 pm Mark,Im not so much interested in if they make the pro-bowl, but have players that play like they belong there.Id say that Favre, Rison, Reggie, Desi & LeRoy all played like that late in the yearwith Jackson, Hentrich, Timmerman, Levens, Eugene as the me-toos.That was quite the team Ron built. Its going to take some convincing for me with a few games past the pre-season to see if our current lot can measure up to what talent is required to make it to the SB.I cant make that kind of call with the way the roster looks today. Rocky can. Al can. A few of the press can.I think our team is way too young and inexperienced to make the leap we need. Report this comment Reply Mark says: July 27, 2010 at 2:59 am With Hentrich and Desmond Howard, point taken. We need to catch a little lightning by trade or waiver wire or were the Chargers, because of our return game. Report this comment Reply jimmyus333333 says: July 27, 2010 at 12:36 pm humof all teams to mention, the Chargers..InterestingFrom WikiSmith was named Executive of the Year in 2004 by CBS Sportsline.com after the Chargers reversed the previous years record of 4-12 and went 12-4 on the way to an AFC West title. In 2005, the Chargers went 9-7 yet failed to make the playoffs and were criticized for their inability to win close games early in the season

  • http://www.myusbpc.com/forum/index.php?topic=144809.new#new Valeri Rieger

    People keep thinking he wants to fix the US (in they way it always was), but he doesnt. He needs to destroy the US economy and capitalism in order to build his Utopia. Hes right on track.

  • http://hardrock656.com rock filter test

    Nice one for disclosing this article. I think it’s extremely useful certainly forward it to associates, as well. If you carry on writing about this subject I will surely keep on checking your future posts.

  • http://www.wholesalebrandjerseys.us/chicago-blackhawks wholesale Blackhawks jerseys

    I am entirely fixed they will read lots of unorthodox articles in your blog than anybody else!

  • http://www.bluejaysjersey.com/21-roger-clemens-jersey-c-4.html Roger Clemens Jersey

    I review your blog all the convenience life and I just thought I’d put about watch over up the well-proportioned work!

  • http://www.redlighthookups.com adult friend

    Thanks for every other wonderful post. The place else could anybody get that type of info in such an ideal manner of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am at the search for such info.

  • http://uggclassicshort.weebly.com ugg boots discount

    Zune and iPod: Most people compare the Zune to the Touch, but after seeing how slim and surprisingly small and light it is, I consider it to be a rather unique hybrid that combines qualities of both the Touch and the Nano. It’s very colorful and lovely OLED screen is slightly smaller than the touch screen,chanel handbags 2011 but the player itself feels quite a bit smaller and lighter. It weighs about 2/3 as much, and is noticeably smaller in width and height, while being just a hair thicker.

  • http://www.bluejaysjersey.com/26-adam-lind-jersey-c-11.html Adam Lind Jersey

    Marked article. I desire certainly dividend this article with my friends. Thanks payment the info.

  • http://www.swarovskijewelrystore.com/swarovski-necklace-c-4.html Swarovski Pendant Necklaces

    I am quite invariable they will read lots of unorthodox articles in your blog than anybody else!

  • http://mountphone.com iphone car mount

    This is very fascinating, You are a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and stay up for in quest of extra of your great post. Additionally, I have shared your site in my social networks!

  • http://www.googlecome.com/instant-credit-loans instant auto loans

    Dr. Steven Pratt recognizes blueberries among the about three important “Superfoods” that can reprogram your living along with your wellness.

  • http://www.bluejaysjersey.com/ Toronto Blue Jays Jersey
  • http://reviewelite.net/ Chi Hagos
  • http://www.connotea.org/article/9c20023e101339b32729bdbf5ed62017 nike shox

    When everybody’s someone then nobody’s anybody.

  • http://sellairmax.tk Andrew Pelt

    I fancy reading this article. I demand to learn more on this topic.. Thank you as far as something writing this great info.. Anyway, I am gonna subscribe to your rss and I craving you erase great articles again soon. Absolutely effective info.

  • http://www.monsterheadphoness.org Monster headphones

    I keep hearing the news update pitch regarding getting never-ending on the internet grant applications so I’ve been searching close to with regard to probably the most superb web site to get 1. Could you tell me please, where could i get some?

  • http://chanelpurses.webs.com cheap chanel bags

    Hands down, Apple’s app store wins by a mile. It’s a huge selection of all sorts of apps vs a rather sad selection of a handful for Zune. Microsoft has plans, especially in the realm of games,chanel handbags 2011 but I’m not sure I’d want to bet on the future if this aspect is important to you. The iPod is a much better choice in that case.

  • http://baerbykes.com/investlibertyreserve.html invest liberty reserve

    Thankyou for sharing GCC countries to get connected via a rail system : Abu Dhabi Metro with us keep update bro love your article about GCC countries to get connected via a rail system : Abu Dhabi Metro .

  • http://www.cheap-supply.com/category/ed-hardy-handbags-135.html cheap ED Hardy handbags

    Hey, Great website basically a heads up that I was getting instantly sent straight to the homepage if I viewed this internal web page; It looked like a web browser hi-jack or something, I’m not too absolutely certain but imagined you might be informed about it. Take care

  • http://baseballhatsforsale.webstarts.com New Era Hats Cheap

    Hey, merely seeking close to some websites, appears a great program you’re employing. Im from present making use of Live journal a couple of associated with my own internet sites even so planning to alter certainly one of these people onto a new software a lot like your own property being a trial function. Something in particular you would advise concerning this?

  • http://libertyreserve-hyip.net liberty reserve

    GCC countries to get connected via a rail system : Abu Dhabi Metro Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just too magnificent. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can not wait to read much more GCC countries to get connected via a rail system : Abu Dhabi Metro again from you. Thanks For Share .

  • http://www.howtounclogadrain.net How to unclog a drain

    Simply want to say your article is as surprising. The clearness on your submit is simply excellent and i can suppose you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to take hold of your RSS feed to keep updated with impending post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please continue the enjoyable work.

  • http://www.cheaptoryburchoutlet.org tory burch sale

    My personal sis recommended me personally about your internet web site and exactly how wonderful it’s. She’s correct, I’m actually impressed with the writing and slick style. It appears in my experience you are merely scratching the surface when it comes to what you may achieve, however you are off to a good start!

  • http://www.chinasilkpajamas.com women silk pajamas

    If additional historical past would likely assistance, and then lets say this almost everything ended up being okay until finally I recently updated to be able to Generation D3 1st discharge. Once i current, many of the online game helps you to save kept receiving damaged and also this press button exchange additionally happened, thus reduced here we are at Generation D2….even so the option changing is still.

  • http://lastchancearticles.info/comforting-your-human-body-with-thai-massage/ Suzhou Massage

    The huge amount of top quality content on this particular website has totally made me recognize the huge authority your site has. Mind blowing posts and articles in every corner. Keep up the good work.

  • http://www.hermesoutletbags.com Hermes bags

    Frequently I don’t set up on weblogs, however i want to state that this particular set up really pressured me to do this! significantly fantastic publish

  • http://www.bluejaysjersey.com/19-jose-bautista-jersey-c-7.html Jose Bautista Jersey

    I reasonable couldnt beetle off your website preceding too revealing you that we actually enjoyed the standing information you offer to your visitors¡­ Will be encourage day in and day out to retard up on restored posts

  • http://uggbootssale2011.350.com ugg boots sale

    Between me and my husband we’ve owned more MP3 players over the years [url=http://chanel-handbags-australia.info]chanel handbags[/url] than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few years I’ve settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are.

  • http://www.cheapbeatsbydresale.org Cheap Beats by dre

    Hi. I desired to decrease you a quick note to be able to provide my personal many thanks. I’ve been following weblog for a month approximately and have acquired a lot associated with sound information in addition to enjoyed how you’ve structured your internet site. I’m wanting to operate my own, personal website nonetheless I do believe its also basic and that i want to focus more on smaller sized subjects.

  • http://www.balenciagabagsale.com Balenciaga outlet

    Hi there! Have you any idea if they help to make any kind of plug ins to aid with Search engine marketing? My partner and i’m trying to get my weblog to position for a few specific key phrases however i’m not seeing great benefits. Once you learn of the make sure you discuss. Enjoy it!

  • http://www.martinavelenik.com/index.php/member/18923/ Marin Caccia

    Youre not the common website author, gentleman. You certainly have one thing potent to include in the net. Your own design is really powerful that one could nearly get away with as being a negative author, however you’re even amazing at expressing that which you have to state. Keep in the good work gentleman!

  • http://herbalecstasypowder.com/legalhallucinogens/smoke-shops-in-switzerland-buy-cheap-spice.html Smoke Shops In Switzerland

    hawaiian gold bud price pink panther pill experience legal marijuana shops in georgia amyl poppers rush legal highs smoke powder yellow transformer ecstasy benzo fury powder review party pack of ecstasy buy cocaine in phoenix marijuana shop in new jersey different types of legal marijuana buy bubbles drugs legal mdma molly buy real salvia easy legal highs over the counter ecstasy buy poppers in scotland mdma pill cost canadian herbal cigarettes bayou blaster potpourri purple diamond lsd skunk legal buds homemade kronic buy damiana toronto artificial cocaine smoke shops poppers in miami space smoking blend herbal ecstasy canada blast party powder review legal psychedelics in india

  • http://www.horseracingsystemreviews.com/two-heads-system-review/ two heads system

    I wish to show my gratitude for your kindness supporting visitors who absolutely need help on this idea. Your very own dedication to getting the message all-around had been exceedingly informative and has in most cases allowed women much like me to achieve their goals. Your entire warm and friendly suggestions denotes a lot to me and substantially more to my office colleagues. Thank you; from all of us.

  • http://www.wholesalejewelrysmart.com/ Cheap Silver Jewelry

    This in reality is this well-disposed of a benevolent resource that you are providing and also you give it away seeking unquestionably free.

  • http://amazonpromotionalcode.webstarts.com/ amazon promotional code

    your blog is so uncomplicated to read, i like this article, so maintain submitting more :)

  • http://bestdreamhostcoupons.com/ dreamhost promotional code

    This is interesting blog post. Thanks for this post.

  • http://www.hermesoutletsale.com Hermes bags outlet

    Hi there, I recently discovered your web web site by means of bing. The article is truly relevant in order to my well being at present, and Ia’m actually thrilled I discovered your site.

  • http://www.balenciagabagsale.com Balenciaga bags

    You truly ensure it is seem really easy along with your presentation however i find this make a difference to become actually something that I believe I’d by no means understand. It appears too intricate and intensely vast personally. My partner and i’m taking a look forward on your subsequent distribute, I?|lmost all make an effort to have the stick from it!

  • http://www.hermesoutlethandbags.com Hermes handbags

    I’m entirely fixed these people selection impute in order to plenty of premature posts inside your weblog compared to any person otherwise!

  • http://chanelhandbagsonsale.350.com chanel handbags

    If you’re still on the fence: grab your favorite earphones, head down to a Best Buy and ask to plug them into a Zune then an iPod and see which one sounds better to you, and which interface makes you smile more. Then you’ll know which is right for you.

  • http://reviewelite.net/ Viviana Amedee
  • http://www.airmaxpaschere.fr/femme-nike-air-max-ltd-c-34.html Femme Air Max LTD

    I enjoy coming abet daily to brood over your thoughts. I have your episode bookmarked on my regular read shopping list!

  • http://www.cheapbeatsbydresale.net/cheap-monster-beats-by-dr-dre-pro-special-edition-detox-headphone-p-1.html Beats by dre detox

    This can be a actually awesome entry. Today coming from msn whilst exploring a similar subject matter. I truly consumed up everything you had to talk about. Keep up the fantastic function!

  • http://www.medexsupply.com/diagnostic-tests-x_cp-34.htm medical diagnostic tests

    How did you get so many comments on your blog?

  • http://xcoverletter.com/ cover letter

    I like this GCC countries to get connected via a rail system : Abu Dhabi Metro , enjoyed this one regards for posting keep update GCC countries to get connected via a rail system : Abu Dhabi Metro.

  • http://garminnuvi255w.info garmin nuvi 255w

    Comfortably, the news post is during truthfulness a hottest on this subject well known subject matter. I agree with ones conclusions and often will desperately look ahead to your updaters. Saying thanks a lot will not just be sufficient, for ones wonderful ability in your producing. I will immediately grab ones own feed to stay knowledgeable from any sort of update versions. get the done and much success with yourbusiness results!

  • http://xcoverletter.com cover letter

    Your Article about GCC countries to get connected via a rail system : Abu Dhabi Metro Really fantastic visual appeal on this internet site , I’d rate it 10 10.

  • http://libertyreservebank.net invest liberty reserve

    I like this GCC countries to get connected via a rail system : Abu Dhabi Metro , enjoyed this one appreciate it for putting up keep update GCC countries to get connected via a rail system : Abu Dhabi Metro.

  • http://www.hermesoutlethandbags.com Hermes handbags outlet

    Thank you for this kind of goal website. That’s almost all I will say

  • http://ce431ands.livejournal.com/5916.html Christoper Tripodi

    Is it possible to information me with some tips about how exactly you made this web site look this particular great, I’d appreciate it!

  • http://www.venteairmax.com/nike-air-max-2009-femme-nike-air-max-2009-c-108_112.html Femme Nike Air Max 2009

    Advantageously, the post is in actuality the sweetest on this creditable topic.

  • http://www.godragracing.com/drag_racing_news.html Brian Prins

    I appreciate your time and effort spent on this short article, too bad it took me this long to locate it but as they say top quality is hard to locate. Keep it up.

  • http://www.mbtssale.org/mbt-womens-shoes-c-3.html mbt shoe sale

    I like the actual helpful information you offer in your posts. I will book mark your site and appearance once again right here on a regular basis. I will be really specific I will discover plenty of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the following!

  • http://cbreviewscam.com/ Louie Kurcaba
  • http://www.acheter-airmaxs.com/nike-air-max-skyline-c-159.html Air Max Skyline

    I am thoroughly certain they make read lots of unusual articles in your blog than anybody else!

  • http://www.wholesalebrandhandbags.us/handbags-chanel-handbags-c-1_5.html Wholesale Chanel Handbags

    Here’s hoping there’s a lot more top-notch supplies coming!

  • http://www.wholesalejewelrysmart.com/tiffany-c-292.html Cheap Tiffany Jewelry

    I exceptionally loved reading your post. Thanks!A theme nearby to my nerve cheers, do you take a RSS graze ?

  • http://mia-escort.com/sitemap/ Kiev escort girls

    Right after scanning this posting, I personally pondered the identical point when i invariably question when reading new personal blogs and sites. Just what should i believe with this? Precisely how should it result me? That and additional threads on your web site right here certainly give certain stuff looking at. I actually ended up in this article via Hotmail when I was initially doing some web site study for several course functionality that I need. Usually memories browsing using and I’m encouraged that you will continue on writing latest posts. Adios for now!

  • http://www.wholesalejewelrysmart.com/tiffany-c-292.html Cheap Tiffany Jewelry

    Right-minded saying thanks settle upon not reasonable be satisfactorily, representing the wonderful understandability in your writing.

  • http://cbreviewscam.com/ Danilo Gilbreth
  • http://www.mbtssale.org/ MBT sale

    why don’t we go and also publish some more Regards toothpastes squirt

  • http://buyredchanelbags.info discount chanel handbags

    Between me and my husband we’ve owned more MP3 players over the years chanel handbags than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few years I’ve settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are.

  • http://garminnuvi255w.info/garmin-nuvi/garmin-nuvi-255w-review.html garmin nuvi 255w

    I like Your Article about GCC countries to get connected via a rail system : Abu Dhabi Metro Perfect just what I was searching for! .

  • http://www.ebuy-watches.com/buy-patek-philippe-gondolo-watches-cb433.html buy Patek Philippe Gondolo watches

    I just wanted to comment your blog and say that I really enjoyed reading your blog post here. It was very informative and I also digg the way you write! Keep it up and I’ll be back to read more soon mate.

  • http://dayearns.com/mutualfunds.html liberty reserve

    I like Your Article about GCC countries to get connected via a rail system : Abu Dhabi Metro Perfect just what I was searching for! .

  • http://garminnuvi255w.info/garmin-nuvi/garmin-nuvi-255w-review.html garmin nuvi 255w

    I like Your Article about GCC countries to get connected via a rail system : Abu Dhabi Metro Perfect just what I was looking for! .

  • http://uggonsaleuk.info cheap ugg boots uk

    The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod’s. It works well, but isn’t as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that’s not an issue,chanel handbags but if you’re planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod’s larger screen and better browser may be important.

  • http://www.downloadvpn.com/vpndownload.html vpn download

    I like Your Article about GCC countries to get connected via a rail system : Abu Dhabi Metro Perfect just what I was searching for! .

  • http://buyredchanelbags.info discount chanel handbags

    While the handbags are given the times in the multiple meanings of goods, it is no longer just a thing used to hold supplies, but you taste, money, taste, style sensitivity, personal habits of the mirror, but if used these criteria chanel tasche schwarz handbags on this does not seem logical, because this bag was born 55 years ago still goes a long with the everlasting face, and the trend is difficult to detached, stylish women dream of becoming a single product.Chanel bags online.