The Etihad Rail passenger service will officially begin in 2026. As a result, travel across the UAE is set to become faster, greener, and more efficient. Etihad Rail shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), marking a major step forward for public transport.
This passenger service forms part of the UAE’s national railway network. It aims to connect 11 major cities across all seven emirates. Moreover, the trains will run at speeds of up to 200 km/h, cutting journey times and promoting sustainable travel.
By 2023, Etihad Rail had completed a 900-kilometer freight network. This line connects all emirates, from Ghuweifat on the Saudi border to Fujairah on the coast. Additionally, it links important ports and industrial zones, including Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali. Now, this freight backbone will also support passenger trains.
One of the standout features of the Etihad Rail passenger service is the high-speed line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Significantly, this train will run at speeds of up to 350 km/h, reducing travel time between the two cities to just 30 minutes. Therefore, it will serve as a game-changer for both daily commuters and tourists.
This high-speed route will include key stops such as Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. In Dubai, it will stop near Al Maktoum International Airport, Al Jaddaf, and Jumeirah Golf Estates. Notably, the Jumeirah station will connect directly to the existing metro line, making transfers seamless.
So far, two passenger stations have been confirmed. The first is under construction in Sakamkam, Fujairah. The second will be located near the University City of Sharjah. In Abu Dhabi, officials expect the main station to be placed between Mussafah and Mohammed Bin Zayed City, near Phoenix Hospital and Dalma Mall.
The full Etihad Rail passenger service will eventually span 1,200 kilometers. As a result, it will connect cities including Al Sila, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Furthermore, future expansion plans include a connection to Oman.
In line with this, the UAE and Oman launched the Hafeet Rail project in 2024. This 303-kilometer cross-border railway will link Sohar in Oman to Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi. Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala Investment Company will jointly oversee its development.
Once completed, travel times will drop sharply. For instance, the Abu Dhabi to Dubai route will take just 30 minutes. A trip from Dubai to Fujairah will last around 50 minutes. Likewise, Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah will take only 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Each passenger train will accommodate up to 400 people. In addition, onboard amenities will include Wi-Fi, charging outlets, entertainment screens, and food options. These features aim to make train travel both convenient and enjoyable.
To enhance the passenger experience, Etihad Rail has partnered with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority. This partnership enables the use of the nol card for train fares. Consequently, travelers can pay for trips using the same card they use on metro and bus systems.
The Etihad Rail passenger service is expected to bring several economic and environmental benefits. It could reduce annual carbon emissions by more than 2.2 million metric tonnes. In essence, that’s like removing 375,000 cars from the roads. Additionally, the network will support job creation and promote regional trade.
Ultimately, this new service represents more than just a train system. It symbolizes the UAE’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and smart infrastructure. By 2026, travelers will enjoy faster, cleaner, and more connected journeys across the nation.
