What will the impact of a UAE rail system be?
In recent years, The Middle East has been experiencing rapid economic and urban development, and this can only be sustained by a resilient and modern transport infrastructure.
A rail network provides a much more efficient mode of transporting goods and people.
For public transportation, it’s important that the region addresses the demand for affordable and reliable public transport systems, especially for those without access to cars.
Secondly, an efficient and technologically driven rail network will support the region’s drive to meet sustainability goals – especially as both UAE and the Egypt gear to host COP conferences.
At Alstom, we have developed customized solutions with a commitment to shaping the future of public transport and mobility. We offer practical roadmaps to advance mobility goals through products and services in the communities in which we operate and to the entities we partner with.
We strongly believe that cutting edge technology such as alternative energy solutions, smart mobility centers and improved navigation software can mitigate carbon footprint and reduce some of the biggest transportation issues such as traffic congestion.
How would railways help the UAE realise its targets for sustainability?
Globally, transport accounts for around a quarter of CO2 emissions, and it’s something that needs to be addressed, but we still all need to move around and transport goods.
Rail is currently the most energy-efficient mode of transport and by providing residents with an efficient rail network, it will reduce per-capita emissions. On average, rail requires 12 times less energy and emits up to 11 times less greenhouse gasses per passenger-km travelled than private vehicles and airplanes.
And aside from shipping, freight rail is the most energy-efficient and least carbon-intensive way to transport goods. A fully loaded train emits up to 80% less CO2 than lorries carrying the same tonnage.
Urban rail also offers a workable solution for cities impacted by growing congestion and air pollution. If you’ve ever driven from Dubai to Sharjah at rush hour, you’ll understand what I’m talking about here.
The effects of climate change are being increasingly felt across the world, and this had meant that sustainability is one of the biggest challenges we are facing. Especially in this region, as the Middle East has some of the highest per-capita emissions in the world, according to World Bank figures.
Thankfully, leadership in the region has realized this reality, with many announcing carbon mitigation goals to tackle the climate challenge head on. Last year the UAE was first to announce Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative with Saudi Arabia following soon behind.
At Alstom, we believe that innovation will be one of the key factors at the heart of climate agenda. We’re committed to leading the way to greener and smarter mobility, worldwide. And this includes the Middle East, where we are working in partnership with regional governments.
This collaboration means that it’s possible to advance an efficient and technologically-driven rail network to support the region’s drive to meet sustainability goals – particularly as both UAE and the Egypt gear to host COP conferences.
We can do this by introducing technology such as alternative energy solutions, smart mobility centers and improved navigation software to mitigate carbon footprint and reduce traffic congestion.
It’s no exaggeration to say that exciting innovations in the rail industry represents the future of travel. In Germany, for example, we’ve launched the world’s first hydrogen train, which is now operational and providing sustainable transportation.
And this will only get more efficient, with rail becoming central to urgent green solutions and helping to remove cars and trucks from the roads
Alstom mobility security in UAE’s Dubai metro can recalibrate train schedules according to passenger traffic, reducing and expanding waiting time based on footfall, thereby boosting operational efficiency and saving costs.
We also have a full range of green traction options, so we can help our customers go even further to reduce their emissions and address the rapid urbanization that is taking place across the region. Our sustainability commitments are not only limited to the Middle East, but for the rest of the world.
These clear environment targets included below that we are keen to meet by 2025. This will ultimately also benefit the Middle East.
- Alstom is committed to achieving science-based CO2 emission reduction targets under the Paris Agreement
- 25% reduction of CO2 emissions
- 100% of newly developed solutions are eco-designed
- 100% of electricity supplied by renewable energies
What are the chief challenges of operating a railway in the UAE?
There are several challenges operating rail networks, in any country.
Firstly, public infrastructure is costly and big-ticket investments are generally undertaken by public sector. This includes complex approval and financing processes, so Alstom is solving a part of this problem by offering our partners access to capital through easy financing processes.
Another issue is red tape. Often government processes can be slow to implement change. Therefore, transport companies must be patient and align themselves with the culture and community they are operating in. This is one of the reasons why we maintain a presence across the Middle East to offer our clients local and tailored solutions – there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Once the plan is greenlit, the next challenge is to make space. Existing road infrastructure, bridges and interchanges all pose a problem and must be navigated to make room for new trains and railway networks. One of the great things about the UAE is that it’s a relatively new country and there is a near-unique opportunity to develop an exceptional rail network in the abundance of open space around the country.
Lastly, the building process must include testing to ensure safety and security of the people who will utilize the infrastructure. The development of a rail network requires improved navigation, flawless accident-avoidance systems, and the ability to deal with weight in congestion. This all takes time.
However, there are many positives to be highlighted. The Dubai Metro is a great example of interconnection within cities. We are proud to have been part of that solution. Alstom led the consortium responsible for delivering the world’s fastest-built driverless metro project, Dubai Route 2020 Metro, which was inaugurated in June 2020.
We were also awarded with a 13-year maintenance contract for the Al Sufouh tramway in Dubai, to a consortium comprised of Alstom and Cofely Besix Facility Management (FM). The contract is for the maintenance of the rolling stock and fixed installations to be delivered by Alstom and Cofely Besix FM for phase one of the Dubai tramway project. This phase includes the supply of 11 Citadis tramsets, 10km of track, 13 stations and other equipment including electrification, signaling, ticketing systems and more.
Talk to us about the economic impact of railways.
There are numerous benefits brought about by the railway networks. The direct economic benefits delivered by the network include freight cost savings, business travel time savings, along with other economic remunerations. These economic benefits will support businesses, commuters, and other travelers across the region.
The rail network will ultimately provide services for both freight and passengers, with social benefits including lower cost transportation, faster journeys than highway alternatives and reduced levels of highway traffic.
The cost savings made by businesses that transfer their freight via rail will enable them to be more commercially successful and therefore further contribute to economic growth.
Will railways help boost the country’s domestic tourism agenda?
The rail network is not only a revenue-generating infrastructure, but also a cultural and communication development. Tourism relies heavily on passenger transportation.
When it comes to tourism, the railroad holds a special place among other modes of transportation due to its cost-effectiveness, high safety, and comfort. Conveniently connected routes offer passengers a hassle-free summer escape from traffic and the heat.
Visitors to Dubai and Abu Dhabi can visit the other city quickly and easily, creating more business for both. Travelers from abroad will benefit, avoiding the need for car rentals and navigating a new country independently. Also, Abu Dhabi’s Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions are expected to significantly benefit from advanced connectivity.