China's leading train maker CRRC to supply DMUs to UAE's national railway network developer

A battery-powered locomotive manufactured by CRRC Dalian Co. Ltd docks at the Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok, Thailand, Jan. 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

China's leading train maker CRRC Corporation Limited (CRRC, 601766.SH) will supply passenger diesel multiple units (DMUs) to Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the national railway network of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to a contract signed by the two parties on Tuesday.

The supply will mark the first time that Chinese enterprise-made DMUs are exported to the UAE.

According to the contract, CRRC will provide Etihad Rail with 21 DMUs with a designed operating speed as high as 200km/h, which are the highest-speed DMUs in the world. It will also offer 140 optional units at most and 15-year maintenance service for all relevant trains.

The DMUs, tailor-made by CRRC according to UAE's railway operation requirements and adopting adaptive design, can operate normally under local high-temperature condition and prevent dust.

They are also equipped with passenger-friendly facilities such as advanced air conditioning system, WIFI network, charging interface, as well as intelligent operation and maintenance system.

The trains are expected to be put into trial operation in the UAE in 2025 and become part of the country's first main-line railway passenger transport project, helping cut the time needed for travel between major cities in the UAE.