“The UAE is now in the process of finalising the legal formality of establishing a railway company which should be announced shortly,” says Nasser Saif al-Mansoori, chairman of the UAE’s transport regulator, the National Transport Authority.

“This is a new frontier for the country and it will support tremendous economic growth.

“The new railway industry will encourage new businesses and new job opportunities in the country.”

Comprising passenger and freight services, and running the length of the country, the railway is expected to ease traffic on the UAE’s congested roads.

No timeframe or cost has yet been put forward for the project.