The UAE's Etihad Rail is set to launch passenger services in 2026, connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Fujairah in under 2 hours. Discover routes, stations, and how it will transform UAE travel.
The United Arab Emirates is on the cusp of a transportation revolution. In 2026, Etihad Rail will launch its inaugural national passenger rail service, marking a historic milestone that will redefine connectivity between the seven emirates. This long-awaited network promises a fast, safe, and sustainable alternative to road travel, poised to attract millions of passengers annually.
The service will debut with a transformative east-west corridor linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. This strategic route addresses high commuter traffic between the capital and commercial hub while boosting access to the eastern coast's tourism and economic centers. With trains operating at speeds up to 200 km/h, travel times will be dramatically reduced:
Each train will accommodate up to 400 passengers, offering modern amenities designed for comfort and productivity, including onboard Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and dedicated workspaces. This focus on passenger experience aims to make rail travel the preferred choice for both daily commutes and leisure trips.
The initial launch will feature three strategically located stations:
Plans include expanding to a total of 11 passenger stations across the network, with future stops in Sharjah, Al Dhannah, and Madinat Zayed, ensuring comprehensive national coverage.
A cornerstone of the project is seamless connectivity. Etihad Rail is being integrated with existing metro, bus, taxi, and ride-hailing services. This "first and last-mile" strategy ensures passengers can easily access stations, creating a unified and efficient national transport ecosystem that makes rail travel practical for everyone.
The passenger service leverages the existing, robust Etihad Rail freight network, inaugurated in 2023, which spans approximately 900 km from the Saudi border to Fujairah. This dual-use infrastructure maximizes investment and demonstrates a holistic approach to national logistics and mobility, having already reduced road congestion and emissions.
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Beyond transportation, Etihad Rail is a catalyst for economic and social development. By providing a reliable, efficient alternative to cars, it will alleviate highway congestion, boost tourism connectivity, and promote sustainable urban growth. Future plans even envision a dedicated high-speed line that could slash the Abu Dhabi-Dubai journey to just 30 minutes.
As 2026 approaches, the launch of Etihad Rail's passenger service represents more than new tracks—it symbolizes the UAE's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and enhanced quality of life, setting a new standard for modern mobility in the region.
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