Systra appointed as Project Manager for UAE's Abu Dhabi-Dubai High Speed Rail Line

Dubai, UAE (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the UAE’s transportation infrastructure, French engineering firm Systra has been appointed as the project management consultant for the high-speed railway (HSR) line connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This first phase of the UAE HSR programme is set to revolutionize travel between the two major cities, with the ambitious project expected to be operational by 2030.

Engineering Expertise and Project Details

The project will be supported by Spanish engineering firms Sener and Ineco, who have been confirmed as the engineering consultants for the HSR line. This collaboration marks a major step forward in the development of a railway network designed to enhance connectivity across the UAE.

Earlier this week, Etihad Rail called for contractors to submit prequalification forms by September 11 for a contract to design and construct the civil works for the Abu Dhabi-Dubai segment. The prequalification notice, initially issued in July, had its deadline extended from August 14 to September 11. Contractors are actively forming joint ventures to bid for the forthcoming design-and-build works packages.

Project Phases and Specifications

The high-speed rail network will be developed in four phases, each aimed at expanding connectivity throughout the UAE.

Phase 1: This initial phase focuses on constructing a 150-kilometre rail line connecting Al-Zahiyah in Abu Dhabi to Al-Jaddaf in Dubai. The project is divided into two primary packages—one for Abu Dhabi and one for Dubai—encompassing four distinct sections:

• Phase 1A: Al-Zahiyah to Yas Island (23.5 km)
• Phase 1B: Yas Island to the Abu Dhabi/Dubai border (64.2 km)
• Phase 1C: Abu Dhabi/Dubai border to Al-Jaddaf (52.1 km)
• Phase 1D: Abu Dhabi airport delta junction and connection with Abu Dhabi airport station (9.2 km)

The first phase will feature five stations, including Al-Zahiyah (ADT), Saadiyat Island (ADS), Yas Island (YAS), Abu Dhabi airport (AUH), and Al-Jaddaf (DJD) in Dubai. Of these, ADT, AUH, and DJD will be underground stations, ADS will be elevated, and YAS will be at grade.

Significant tunnelling works, totaling 31 km, are planned for this phase, alongside provisions for rolling stock, railway systems, and two maintenance depots. The high-speed line is anticipated to drastically reduce travel time between the UAE’s economic hubs, with a journey from YAS to DJD expected to take just 30 minutes.

Site Testing and Future Phases

Preliminary site testing has already commenced, with Dubai-based Matcon Testing Laboratory and Abu Dhabi’s Engineering & Research International conducting drilling tests to assess ground conditions along the planned route.

The remaining phases of the project will extend the network as follows:

• Phase 2: Development of an inner-city railway network with 10 stations within Abu Dhabi.
• Phase 3: Construction of a connection between Abu Dhabi and Al-Ain.
• Phase 4: Establishment of an inter-emirate link between Dubai and Sharjah.

The UAE’s high-speed rail initiative is set to be a game-changer in regional transportation, promising enhanced connectivity and efficiency. The collaborative efforts of international engineering firms and local stakeholders underscore the project's significance and potential impact on the region’s infrastructure landscape.