Etihad Rail has announced that passenger train services will officially begin in 2026, marking a major milestone in the UAE’s national rail project. The service will connect 11 cities and regions across the country, linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, and other key destinations.
A New Era of Travel
The network is designed to transform inter-city travel. Trains will run at speeds of up to 200 km/h, with a proposed high-speed section between Abu Dhabi and Dubai reaching 350 km/h. Journeys will be dramatically shortened; Abu Dhabi to Dubai is expected to take under an hour, while Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will take less than two hours.
Each train will accommodate around 400 passengers, offering modern comfort and digital-first ticketing for a seamless experience. Stations are being built with accessibility and integration in mind, making it easier to connect with other modes of transport.
Strategic Impact
The passenger service is projected to carry more than 36 million people annually by 2030, easing road congestion and reducing travel-related emissions. It also strengthens regional connectivity, linking all seven emirates and supporting the UAE’s long-term sustainability and economic growth goals.
Next Steps
While exact station locations and rollout schedules are still being finalised, the launch in 2026 will mark the first time the UAE has an integrated passenger rail system. Etihad Rail is positioning the project as both an efficient alternative to car travel and a catalyst for greater regional mobility.
