Kalyon Construction Begins Work on UAE’s First High-Speed Rail Project

Kalyon Construction has officially commenced work on its section of the United Arab Emirates’ first high-speed rail project, marking another major milestone in the country’s rapidly expanding rail network.

The Turkish engineering and construction company is part of the international consortium delivering the civil works for the Abu Dhabi section of the future high-speed railway connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The project represents the UAE’s first dedicated high-speed passenger railway and forms a key element of the nation’s long-term transportation strategy

The new line is designed for operating speeds of up to 350 km/h, significantly reducing travel times between the country’s two largest cities while supporting economic growth, sustainable mobility and regional connectivity.

Kalyon Construction is working alongside National Projects Construction (NPC), Trojan Tunnelling and China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) as part of the delivery consortium responsible for major civil engineering works on the project.

The project includes the construction of railway infrastructure, bridges, viaducts, tunnels and associated structures required to support future high-speed operations. Once completed, the railway is expected to become one of the Middle East’s most advanced passenger transport systems.

The high-speed railway is separate from the existing Etihad Rail passenger network, which commenced phased passenger operations earlier this year. While the current national passenger services connect multiple emirates using conventional passenger trains, the new high-speed line will provide a dedicated express connection between Abu Dhabi and Dubai with substantially shorter journey times.

The project demonstrates the UAE’s continued investment in modern rail infrastructure as part of its wider vision to expand sustainable transport, reduce road congestion and strengthen national connectivity. When complete, the high-speed railway is expected to become a flagship transport corridor supporting both business and leisure travel across the country.

Key Facts

• Project: UAE High-Speed Rail
• Route: Abu Dhabi – Dubai
• Maximum Design Speed: 350 km/h
• Lead Client: Etihad Rail Mobility
• Contractor Consortium: National Projects Construction (NPC), Kalyon Construction, Trojan Tunnelling and China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC)
• Country: United Arab Emirates