Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, has partnered with Italian technology firm IronLev to conduct the Middle East’s first magnetic levitation (maglev) trial, presenting a new approach to sustainable rail transport in the region.
The trial, carried out at the Al Faya Depot, demonstrated the system’s heavy-load capabilities. During testing, a platform successfully transported a 7-tonne container across a 1.2-kilometre stretch.
Senior officials at Etihad Rail described the initiative as more than a technical demonstration, calling it a forward-looking vision for transporting goods and passengers across the UAE with minimal friction, marking a regional first in the exploration of next-generation, low-emission transport solutions.
Officials highlighted the system’s efficiency, noting that removing physical contact between wheels and rails significantly reduces friction.
Preliminary data indicates the technology could cut energy consumption by up to 29 per cent compared with conventional rail systems.
Unlike traditional maglev technologies that rely on specialised, energy-intensive infrastructure, the trial uses passive ferromagnetic levitation. This approach employs permanent magnets to lift the train above existing tracks without requiring continuous electrical power to maintain levitation.
The technology combines the smooth and high-speed advantages of maglev systems with the ability to operate on the UAE’s existing rail infrastructure, offering a practical and scalable solution, officials added.
