Etihad Rail has awarded planning and construction contracts worth around EUR 6.7 billion (USD 8 billion) for the high-speed rail (HSR) line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The infrastructure and station work for the first phase is divided into two major packages for the Abu Dhabi and Dubai sections. Construction on the Abu Dhabi section will be carried out by a consortium led by National Projects Construction (NPC) with Trojan Tunnelling, Kalyon, and China State Construction Engineering Corporation. Jacobs will be responsible for planning. A consortium consisting of Larsen & Toubro, China Harbour Engineering Company, and Wade Adams was selected for the Dubai section. Planning will be carried out by Egis and Surbana Jurong. Sener and Ineco will provide technical consulting for the entire project. The first phase comprises a new 150 km line from the Al-Zahiyah district in Abu Dhabi to Al-Jaddaf in Dubai with five stations and a connection to Abu Dhabi Airport. The line is designed for speeds of up to 350 km/h, with trains expected to operate at speeds of up to 320 km/h. The start of operation is scheduled for 2030.
