Attention is turning to the different rail projects throughout the Gulf in the wake of the successful launch of Dubai Metro. There is a possibility of a Pan-Gulf network linking the major cities in the region. Dubai Metro is the most important passenger rail services but it is one of many rail systems that will connect GCC countries and the whole region. It took four years to launch Dubai Metro at a cost of Dh28 billion.
Abu Dhabi this month announced they are considering bids for development of a 131 kilometer rail system which would be part of the Abu Dhabi Surface Transport Masterplan and help hundreds of thousands of residents commute each day. One analyst said “The GCC countries now should look beyond the existing mode of transport and ease travel restrictions to facilitate cross border tourism that will facilitate movement across the region.”
