UAE accelerates green railway innovation with bold regional and environmental commitments

The United Arab Emirates has emphasized its bold vision for sustainable transportation, especially through its active participation and strategic discussions at the second Saudi International Rail Conference in Riyadh. This event brought together top officials, policymakers, and industry experts from around the world to discuss the future of eco-friendly railway travel and showcase the latest innovations in the sector.

Mohammed Al Mansoori, who serves as the Under-Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted how vital the Gulf Railway Project is in promoting regional unity and economic resilience. He described it as a shared goal among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, aiming to create a connected transport network that strengthens trade, investment, and development ties across the Gulf region. “Regional integration is really a key part of the UAE’s development identity,” Al Mansoori mentioned, pointing out ongoing collaboration with partners in the GCC, including projects like the UAE-Oman Hafeet Rail link.

The UAE’s national railway network plays a significant role in this overall plan. It’s seen as a transformative infrastructure project that reflects the wise leadership’s dedication to building a more diverse and sustainable economy. The network stretches about 900 kilometers, connecting important industrial zones and ports, which helps boost transport reliability and cuts down logistics costs. Al Mansoori stressed that freight using this network not only makes the logistics system more resilient but also supports sectors outside of oil—an important step as the country works to diversify and strengthen its economy.

In terms of funding, the National Railway Programme involves a hefty AED50 billion investment. The anticipated long-term economic benefits are projected to top AED200 billion. This mainly aligns with the bigger goal of using infrastructure to drive economic growth and innovation. Plus, the programme will soon expand passenger rail services through Etihad Rail, which is expected to start operating around 2026. This will connect major cities and greatly improve mobility, offering more sustainable, safe, and modern transport options that aim to enhance the quality of life for residents.

An important aspect of the UAE’s railway plans is how closely they tie into the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability and reaching net zero emissions by 2050. The national railway system aims to cut transport-related emissions by about 21% every year by mid-century—that’s equivalent to removing around 8.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. To achieve this, the UAE is exploring renewable energy sources like solar power and advanced technologies such as hydrogen fuel and hybrid battery systems for future rail operations. This innovative approach demonstrates a focus on low-carbon transport that boosts both ecological sustainability and operational efficiency.

The UAE’s dedication to rail transport sustainability isn’t just limited to these initiatives; it’s also been showcased in other major events. For example, Abu Dhabi hosted the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference in late 2025, which attracted roughly 20,000 visitors—including international experts, government delegates, and industry leaders. Organized by Etihad Rail and under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the event served as a vital platform to explore logistics, sustainability, and trade through railways. It clearly reinforced the UAE’s aim to position itself as a hub for global dialogue and innovation in transportation.

In 2024, Etihad Rail launched initiatives focused on sustainable financing, which are particularly noteworthy. They introduced a framework designed to raise funds through green bonds aimed at low-carbon infrastructure development. This move is part of the UAE’s broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy, reflecting its strong drive to decarbonize its transport sector as part of the ambitious goal to reach net-zero emissions.

All these efforts are further highlighted by the various strategic partnerships and agreements signed during the Global Rail events. These collaborations are aimed at creating a more resilient, efficient, and interconnected global railway system—showing the UAE’s serious commitment to shaping the future of rail mobility on regional and international levels.

By pursuing these diverse initiatives—the Gulf Railway Project, the extensive national railway network, integrating renewable energy, and investing in sustainable finances—the UAE is making clear its dedication to pioneering environmentally friendly transport solutions in the region. This comprehensive approach not only promotes economic diversification and regional cooperation but also plays a key role in fighting climate change, aligning with both Gulf-wide and global sustainability goals.

Source: Noah Wire Services