Business Desk 
Oct 04, 2025
Pakistan's ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Faisal Niaz Tirmiz, said the two countries will expand their cooperation in the railway industry.
The UAE and Etihad Rail are currently in talks for additional collaborations, and the UAE is already involved in Pakistan's Main Line-1 (ML-1) project.
With the use of upgraded stations and sophisticated signalling systems, the 1,872-kilometre Karachi-Peshawar line will be dual-tracked and modernised as part of the ML-1 project.
This project is essential for improving regional connectivity and cutting down on travel times, as is the ML-3 corridor.
Finance and Railways Minister, Bilal Azhar Kiyani, was present at the Global Rail Conference and Exhibition 2025 in Abu Dhabi when Tirmizi made her comments.
"Pakistan had a valuable opportunity to highlight its strategic location," Tirmizi said. "Pakistan's ML-1 development will receive assistance from Etihad Rail, and both nations will share best practices."
Kiyani met UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and travelled by high-speed rail between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, highlighting the significance of increased cooperation in the railway and investment sectors.
"After sea freight, rail is still the most economical and environmentally friendly form of transportation," the envoy underlined.
Additionally, Kiyani met with Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak to talk about technology transfer and freight logistics collaboration.
These exchanges between Pakistan and the UAE have improved regional connectivity and fortified bilateral ties, opening the door for profitable railway partnerships.
It is anticipated that the partnership will strengthen both nations' transport networks and economic ties.
