The UAE wants to connect all emirates with a railway network by 2017

Dubai - The United Arab Emirates, which boasts the tallest building in the world and an artificially created island in the shape of a palm tree, are now considering another ambitious project. This involves connecting the country with a railway network that will traverse the desert. The costs of the railway system, which is set to link all seven emirates by 2017, are estimated to be 11 billion USD (203.7 billion CZK).
    The total length of the railway, according to Union Railway, will be 1500 kilometers, and construction is planned in several phases. The first section of 270 kilometers is expected to be operational by 2013. Once completed, the UAE railway system could connect to the railways of Saudi Arabia and Oman.
    Union Railway's CEO Richard Bowker stated that interest from foreign companies in participating in the initial works is very high. The biggest competition for participation in the project will likely be between firms from China and Europe, with companies from Australia and Korea also expressing interest.
    The development of the railway is linked to the need for transporting oil and gas. The UAE is the third largest oil exporter in the world and has the fifth largest gas reserves. Freight trains will primarily carry heavy cargo, such as cement, aluminum, or steel, reaching speeds of 120 kilometers per hour. For passenger transport, trains are expected to operate at speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, according to the Reuters agency.