Sener says work on Abu Dhabi tram to start shortly

Sener says work on the Abu Dhabi tramline is expected to start shortly. (Shutterstock)

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Sener, the Spanish consultant company, confirmed on Tuesday that work on Abu Dhabi’s new transport system would begin shortly.

According to a news report by 7Days, the consultant said that work on phase one of the tram project will begin in the north of city, with a 30km route linking to the city centre.

The tram system will run on two lines that will cover a total distance of 300km, while linking downtown Abu Dhabi with Al Sowwah Island, site of Abu Dhabi’s new financial centre.

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Saadiyat Island, which will be home to numerous cultural landmarks, such as the Louvre, Guggenheim and Zayed National Museum, will also be linked to Abu Dhabi city. Other sections of the line will link downtown Abu Dhabi to the Capital district, where government offices will be based, and Al Reem Island.

Although no confirmation has been received as to when work will start on the rail link, an Abu Dhabi Transport Authority spokesman told the newspaper that an announcement would be made within the next week.

Sener has said that it is conducting studies to learn how to adjust the tram lines to the high summer temperatures in the capital, as well testing to see how sand and dust on the lines interfere with its operation.

Both the tram and the train system it will link up with are expected to be completed by 2017. The Abu Dhabi metro system is also planned as part of a wider high-speed railway system that links Abu Dhabi and Dubai.