Abu Dhabi, UAE – A new era of sustainable and interconnected transportation is dawning in the United Arab Emirates as the national railway project, Etihad Rail, gears up to launch its long-anticipated passenger train service in 2026.
Designed to dramatically reshape the country’s mobility landscape, the initiative promises rapid transit, reduced road congestion, and seamless connectivity between the emirates.
Announced during a recent meeting hosted by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, and a delegation from Etihad Rail at Al Dhanna Palace, the passenger service marks a significant milestone in one of the UAE’s most ambitious infrastructure undertakings.
A Nationwide Vision on Tracks
Stretching across approximately 1,200 kilometers, the Etihad Rail network will connect 11 key cities and regions across all seven emirates, making it one of the largest integrated transportation projects in the Middle East.
With the capacity to accommodate 36.5 million passengers annually once fully operational, the rail system is poised to become a backbone of UAE mobility.
Key cities on the network include:
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Abu Dhabi
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Dubai
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Sharjah
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Ras Al Khaimah
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Fujairah
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Al Ain
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Ruwais
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Al Mirfa
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Al Dhaid
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Ghuweifat (bordering Saudi Arabia)
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Sohar in Oman (via the Hafeet Rail project)
The project, spearheaded by Etihad Rail, aims to not only connect these urban and industrial hubs but also streamline travel between them while promoting eco-friendly transportation practices.
Stations and Connectivity
The network’s passenger services will begin from Al Sila in the far west of Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in the east, cutting across the diverse landscapes of the Emirates.
Two passenger station locations have already been officially announced:
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Sakamkam in Fujairah
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University City in Sharjah
Additional stations are expected in:
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Dubai: Near Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station
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Abu Dhabi: Between Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City, possibly between Dalma Mall and Mussafah Bus Station
One of the most eagerly awaited developments is the high-speed electrified line connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This route will feature six state-of-the-art stations at:
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Reem Island
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Yas Island
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Saadiyat Island
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Zayed International Airport
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Near Al Maktoum Airport
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Jaddaf near Dubai Creek
Speed, Comfort, and Luxury on Rails
While the high-speed line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai will reach speeds of up to 350 km/h, cutting travel time between the two cities to just 30 minutes, the broader Etihad Rail passenger trains will travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h.
Expected travel times on the standard network include:
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Abu Dhabi to Dubai: ~57 minutes
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Abu Dhabi to Ruwais: ~70 minutes
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Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: ~105 minutes
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Dubai to Fujairah: ~50 minutes
Each train will accommodate more than 400 passengers across first, business, and economy classes, featuring:
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Free WiFi
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Infotainment systems
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Charging stations
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Ample legroom
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Advanced air-conditioning
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Stylish grey and silver interiors with 2+2 seating arrangements
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Electric doors separating compartments
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Onboard TV screens displaying live updates and arrival times
The trains will offer an experience akin to air travel, and for many, it will represent the most luxurious rail journey ever undertaken in the region.
A Scenic Journey Through the UAE
Traveling on Etihad Rail will offer more than just convenience. The route promises a scenic voyage through the majestic Liwa Desert, the mountainous terrain of Fujairah, and the vibrant urban landscapes of cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.
With 15 luxury carriages on each train, passengers will be treated to panoramic views of the UAE’s natural beauty, including the world-famous Liwa Oasis near the Mezeiraa station.
Captain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, the first Emirati train captain for Etihad Rail, will be among the pioneers operating these trains, symbolizing the project’s focus on local talent and national pride.
Integrated Door-to-Door Travel
A unique feature of the Etihad Rail passenger service will be its door-to-door connectivity. Passengers will not only travel quickly between cities but will also enjoy hassle-free transitions from train stations to their final destinations, thanks to integration with:
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Public transport systems
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Shared mobility platforms
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Taxi and ride-hailing services
This multimodal approach ensures that passengers can plan end-to-end journeys within a single travel ecosystem.
Smart Ticketing and Global Partnerships
Etihad Rail has teamed up with global leaders to bring state-of-the-art systems to the UAE railway experience. Partnerships include:
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SNCF International (France)
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Alstom (France)
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Progress Rail (US)
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Thales Group (France)
These collaborations aim to implement:
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Smart ticketing solutions
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Real-time passenger flow management
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Intelligent traffic operation systems
In a move to enhance user convenience, the Dubai Nol card may also be used to pay for rail journeys, integrating the railway system with existing public transport infrastructure and payment systems.
Sustainability and Economic Impact
Beyond convenience and comfort, Etihad Rail represents a strategic investment in the UAE’s sustainable development goals. By promoting rail over road transport, the project aims to:
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Reduce traffic congestion
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Lower carbon emissions
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Promote energy efficiency
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Foster economic growth through enhanced connectivity
According to industry experts, the project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs and unlock vast opportunities in logistics, tourism, real estate, and construction.
Moreover, linking with GCC railways, including the Hafeet Rail project connecting to Sohar, Oman, will enhance regional trade and tourism, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a transportation hub.
Public Enthusiasm and Future Outlook
Excitement is growing among UAE residents and transport enthusiasts as the 2026 launch year approaches. While the exact launch date remains unconfirmed, the unveiling of stations, train models, and amenities has ignited public imagination.
“This is not just a train — it’s a national transformation,” said a spokesperson for Etihad Rail. “It reflects our leadership’s vision of smart, sustainable living and positions the UAE at the forefront of 21st-century transportation.”
As the countdown to 2026 continues, Etihad Rail stands as a testament to the UAE’s visionary infrastructure development, poised to revolutionize how people move, live, and connect across the country.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members