Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said he was encouraged by the progress of the UAE’s ambitious railway network on Sunday.

The Crown Prince of Dubai met with Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi Executive Council member and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail, at Emirates Towers in Dubai.

The duo discussed the 1,200km railway network that will form an integral part of a GCC-wide railway network, including freight lines that will connect all seven Emirates.

“This mega-project’s ambitious aims will have a substantial developmental impact on both local and regional fronts,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote in a tweet.“The second phase of the project will connect Abu Dhabi with Dubai, with a total investment of Dh4.4 billion,” he said.During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan commended Etihad Rail’s efforts to implement the UAE‘s vision for a more connected transportation and logistics sector.

In June, the UAE paved the way for the first Dubai to Abu Dhabi train line by awarding contracts to build hundreds of kilometres of track.

Etihad Rail issued work contracts to two companies to build a freight train route between the two emirates.

The rail network is considered one of the main development projects being implemented currently in the UAE.

Sheikh Theyab said once complete it will have a positive impact on economic growth by connecting key centres of industry and transport with urban, suburban and remote communities.

With railway systems one of the most important means of transport on which countries depend to achieve their economic and social objectives, the UAE leg of the project will eventually see Khalifa Port, Khalifa Industrial City and Jebel Ali Port being connected, among others.