The first phase of a 266km railway network across the United Arab Emirates will complete by the end of 2012 it has been confirmed. Etihad Rail unveiled the design of its new locomotives and said that the three trains will take their first journey by the end of the year, transporting 22,000 tonnes of granulated sulphur daily from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais.

Once the network has been fully completed it will provide links for freight and passengers from the UAE to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat in the west to Oman via Al Ain in the east. Stretching 1,200km the track will be a swift, accessible and efficient method of transportation for the public and distribution of goods.