
Recently, China Central Television's Xinwen Lianbo (CCTV News) reported on the trial operation of the Etihad Passenger Railway, the UAE's first passenger main line. Huaqi Intelligent Co., Ltd., leveraging its self-developed total Passenger Information System solution, provided onboard service support for the diesel multiple units (DMUs), helping to usher the Middle East's rail transit into a new phase.(Image source: CCTV Xinwen Lianbo)The Etihad Passenger Railway is a landmark achievement of high-quality China-Arab cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. The railway connects 11 cities across all 7 emirates of the UAE. The trains deployed on the entire line were built by CRRC Sifang, with a maximum operating speed of 200 km/h, setting a speed benchmark for similar diesel DMUs worldwide. They are capable of stable operation in extreme conditions of 60°C heat and heavy sandstorms.Huaqi Intelligent's rail transit products have a broad presence, covering urban rail transit lines in 43 Chinese cities and extending to 19 countries and regions overseas. In recent years, the company has participated in iconic international projects including the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, the Mumbai Metro Line 2 in India, the Monterrey Light Rail Line 3 in Mexico, the East Coast Rail Line in Malaysia, and the Vale project in Brazil, accumulating extensive experience in overseas rail projects.To address the harsh climatic conditions of the Middle East, Huaqi Intelligent specifically optimized the entire onboard system for the UAE project, achieving breakthrough innovations with several proprietary technologies:1. Integrated Multi-network Train-wide WiFi for Seamless ConnectivityThe entire train is equipped with passenger-dedicated WiFi. The system can interface with the train's control system and enable remote device upgrades via cellular networks. Even when trains are coupled in multiple units, all functions remain synchronized and interconnected, ensuring stable internet connectivity throughout long journeys.2. Military-grade Dustproof Camera Equipment Resistant to SandstormsThe customized external cameras passed the national military standard sand and dust test, effectively resisting the impact of sand and gravel striking and wearing down the lenses during high-speed operation. This solves the industry-wide challenge of easily damaged monitoring equipment and high maintenance costs on desert routes.(Image source: CCTV Xinwen Lianbo)3. Highly Integrated Redundant Systems Balancing International Standards and Local NeedsThe system integrates four core functions — broadcasting and intercom, information displays, video surveillance, and onboard WiFi — with a multi-layered redundant design that enables automatic switchover in case of single-point device failures. The entire unit is resistant to high temperatures, sand and dust, and salt spray, complying with EN and IEC international rail transit standards. The system supports automatic announcements in both English and Arabic. In case of emergency alarms, it can link video surveillance with the train's braking system. Equipped with portable diagnostic and maintenance devices, the modular design greatly reduces the complexity of overseas maintenance.The successful implementation of this UAE project, along with the CCTV coverage, marks a significant milestone in Huaqi Intelligent's expansion into overseas rail transit markets. It fully demonstrates the reliability and technological superiority of Chinese-made rail transit equipment in extreme environments. Looking ahead, Huaqi Intelligent will continue to leverage its technological innovation strengths, delivering proprietary and controllable integrated rail transit solutions, and contributing to the global reach of "Intelligent Manufacturing in China."
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