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Masdar To Begin Sixth Phase Of Dubai’s Massive Solar Park

The project will add 1,800 megawatts of power, making Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park the largest single-site facility in the world.

Published

2 years ago

August 14, 2023

Nour Nasir

masdar to begin sixth phase of dubai's massive solar park

Emirates News Agency

With the United Arab Emirates setting an ambitious goal to generate 25% of its energy from renewables by 2030 and 100% by 2050, the government has awarded $1.5 billion to Masdar to build phase six of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

“When completed, the solar park will reduce over 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

The total capacity of solar generation at the site has now reached 2,427 MW. With the latest phase adding another 1,800 megawatts, total production capacity will soon be boosted to 4,660 MW, making the park the largest single-site facility in the world.

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Phase five of the Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park was inaugurated in June and is expected to power 270,000 homes and offset over 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually.

“We are striving to achieve the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into a global hub for clean energy and green economy,” said Al Tayer.

Related Topics:Masdar United Arab Emirates

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UAE’s Etihad Rail Launches In 2026 — What You Need To Know

A 1,200 km passenger network will transform public transport, with 11 connected cities, and high-speed trains cutting inter-emirate travel times.

Published

1 day ago

May 19, 2025

Nour Nasir

Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail has confirmed that its long-anticipated passenger train service will officially launch in 2026, ushering in a new era of high-speed, inter-emirate travel. The UAE’s national railway developer shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), as work continues on a 1,200 km passenger network set to connect 11 cities across all seven emirates.

The news marks a major leap in public transportation for the country, with passenger trains designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. Travel times will be significantly reduced — Abu Dhabi to Dubai is expected to take just under an hour, while the journey to Fujairah will be cut to around 105 minutes. A separate high-speed line, capable of reaching 350 km/h, is also in the works to link Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes.

The backbone of the network was completed in 2023, when Etihad Rail launched its 900 km freight service linking key industrial and logistics hubs across the UAE, including ports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. Now, the focus has shifted to passenger infrastructure.

The first station will be located in Sakamkam, Fujairah city centre, and a second is confirmed near University City in Sharjah. Dubai’s main station is expected to be adjacent to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, while Abu Dhabi’s is anticipated along the corridor separating Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

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Once completed, the passenger network will link cities including Al Sila, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Integration with Oman is also part of the long-term vision. A new cross-border project — Hafeet Rail — will span 303 km between Sohar and Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba area. Developed by Etihad Rail in collaboration with Oman Rail and Mubadala, the link is expected to deepen trade and tourism ties between the two countries.

Etihad Rail’s passenger trains will carry up to 400 passengers each and feature Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and onboard food and beverage options to ensure a comfortable experience. To further simplify access, passengers will be able to pay with their nol cards, thanks to a partnership between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The collaboration aims to integrate fare payments and booking systems under one unified platform.