Etihad Rail is pressing ahead with plans to launch passenger rail service in 2026 — a milestone that aligns with the UAE’s vision for a comprehensive, efficient, and safe national railway network. The new system is designed not just to move people, but to connect communities and cities with modern standards of speed, reliability, and comfort.
During the “Global Rail 2025” exhibition and conference held in Abu Dhabi, Azza Al Suwaidi, Executive Vice President of Passenger Services at Etihad Rail, stated that the company is forging strategic partnerships to ensure seamless connectivity. This includes integration with first‑ and last‑mile transit links in cooperation with local transport providers, municipalities, and digital platforms.
A Passenger Experience, Not Just Transportation
The upcoming rail service promises a world‑class experience where comfort, safety, and affordability are key pillars. Key features will include:
-
Dedicated rail corridors: Tracks built entirely separate from roadways to eliminate collision risks and enhance safety
-
Seamless digital ticketing: A ticketing system built on the latest technologies, minimizing friction for passengers
-
Precise timetables: Travel time between major hubs is projected as follows:
• Abu Dhabi → Dubai: 57 minutes
• Abu Dhabi → Fujairah: 105 minutes
• Abu Dhabi → Al Ruwais: 70 minutes -
Comfort zones on board: Trains will offer areas for working, reading, or relaxing — giving passengers flexibility in how they spend their journey
-
High capacity: Each train will accommodate around 400 passengers, with multiple daily departures to serve individuals, families, and groups efficiently
Network and Reach
Planning for stations across the UAE is a core component of the project. The network will connect 11 cities and regions, stretching from Al Ruwais in the west to Fujairah in the east, passing through key hubs like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, the port areas, and more.
By 2026, Etihad Rail aims to deliver passenger service that is on time, reliable, and adheres to the highest standards of safety and quality.
High-Speed Vision & Regional Ambitions
A particularly ambitious facet of the plan is a high-speed link between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Operating at speeds of up to 350 km/h, this route is expected to cut travel time between the two emirates to just 30 minutes. Over a projected 50‑year horizon, the project is anticipated to contribute about AED 145 billion to the UAE’s GDP, reinforcing the country’s position as a hub in the future of next‑generation rail.
Etihad Rail also aims to strengthen regional connectivity. The UAE’s role in broader Gulf railway integration — for instance, through joint initiatives like the “Hafeet Rail” — reflects the ambition to link rail networks across the GCC. Several regional ministerial delegations attending Global Rail underscored the importance of defining the future of cross‑border rail travel.
A Project for Generations Ahead
Etihad Rail’s passenger network is conceived as a long‑term national project — not just for today’s residents but for generations to come. At its core lie the values of unity, integration, sustainability, and a forward‑looking commitment to transform how people move across the UAE.
