Jacobs chosen for UAE rail project

A major U.S. engineering company is set to play a key role in development of a trans-Arab rail project.

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. has been selected by Etihad Rail to deliver technical and program consulting services for the United Arab Emirate’s largest national freight and passenger railway network.

The project will be built in phases to link the principal industry and population centers of the UAE, and form a key link of the planned $200 billion, 2,177-kilometer Gulf Railway (GCC) network linking the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries and economic centers from Oman to Kuwait.

Jacobs, based in Dallas, will deliver engineering and design services for the 900-kilometer network, review and provide critical oversight for the detailed designs to be prepared by a network of design and build contractors, and provide construction supervision for the entire project.

“We were able to bring together the combined technical resources and synergies of Jacobs and our recently acquired CH2M team that presents a fully-integrated service offering for this world-class rail project,” said Jacobs Buildings, Infrastructure and Advanced Facilities President Bob Pragada. “This included accessing the best talent across the breadth of our global network, coupled with a strong local presence provided by Jacobs in the UAE.”

The rail network will ultimately provide enhanced connectivity across geographic markets and services for both freight and passengers, with social benefits including lower transportation costs, faster journeys than highway alternatives and reduced levels of highway congestion.