Khaleej Times quoted Dr Nasser Saif Al Mansouri director general of the National Transport Authority as saying that the planning process for the UAE railway network is progressing well and is in the final stages.

Dr Al Mansouri said that "We are right now in the final stages of planning and need to provide an alignment for the UAE national network." He added that the UAE national rail network would run from the country's border with Saudi Arabia and would cover all the emirates Dr Nasser added that the national rail alignment plan would be submitted for discussions at the GCC level as part of efforts for having a GCC wide railway network.

He said "The meeting of the transportation ministers, scheduled to be held in Riyadh in June 2008, would discuss the alignment plans for the Gulf region." He added that the national rail network was part of the strategic plan of the UAE government and expected to ease traffic congestion and reduce the number of trucks on the roads.

Dr Nasser said that "The number of trucks on UAE roads is increasing fast and it is expected to reach one million by 2015. We need to have efficient transportation network to reduce congestion." He added that the rail network could be used for handling cargo as well as for passenger transport, depending on the management and operation of the network.

Earlier, Mr Shaikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi crown prince and deputy ruler of Ras Al Khaimah stressed that UAE should have excellent transportation networks and infrastructure in line with remarkable economic growth currently taking place in UAE. He said that "An integrated and reliable transportation network across the country would greatly help in reducing congestion and increase productivity and economic growth of the country."