Emirates News Agency cited Mr Hussain Al Nowais chairman of Union Railway as saying that Union Railway is in advanced stages of discussion and coordination with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to explore transporting, via the railway system, over 7 million tonnes of granulated sulphur per annum from the Shah and Habshan oil and gas fields into Ruwais.

Mr Al Nowais said that "We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with ADNOC. This important strategic initiative will fulfill several strategic objectives. Firstly, it will support ADNOC’s ongoing investment program in the Shah and Habshan oil and gas fields. It will also contribute to the development of the oil, gas and petrochemical industries in the country. Finally, it will help to accelerate the development of the Western Region, in line with Vision 2030. This section of the railway will be fast tracked to meet ADNOC’s schedule and requirements."

Mr Al-Nowais who described the partnership between his outfit and the as strategic, put the estimated initial cost of the project at between AED 25 billion to AED 30 billion. He said that the rail line will be 1,100 kilometers long and will be linking Al-Ghuwaifat border post at the UAE and Saudi Arabian border to the West and the UAE and Oman border to the East. He added that execution of the project will last between 5 years to 7 years.

(Sourced from Emirates News Agency)