Etihad Rail Passenger Network Set to Transform Travel Across the UAE

The UAE is preparing for a major shift in how people move across the country. With passenger services expected to launch in 2026, Etihad Rail has revealed the full scope of its national passenger rail network - a project that signals a new era of fast, connected, and sustainable mobility.

Designed to link 11 cities and regions, the network will introduce the UAE’s first fully integrated passenger rail system, bringing residents, citizens, and tourists closer than ever before.

 Connecting Cities, Communities, and Opportunities

The passenger rail network will feature strategically located stations across the Emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, with additional stations to be commissioned in phases. Once operational, the service is expected to cut travel time between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to under 57 minutes, redefining daily commuting and inter-emirate travel.

Beyond convenience, the rail system is positioned as a catalyst for economic activity. Faster connectivity is expected to support tourism, regional development, and investment flows - especially for entrepreneurs and companies exploring business setup in Dubai, where seamless transport links play a critical role in operational efficiency and workforce mobility.

 Speed, Comfort, and Sustainability

Etihad Rail’s passenger trains are built for modern travel needs. With top speeds of up to 200 km/h, the trains combine efficiency with comfort, featuring spacious interiors designed for longer journeys as well as daily commutes.

Sustainability is another cornerstone of the project. By reducing reliance on road travel, the rail network is expected to significantly lower carbon emissions, aligning with the UAE’s broader environmental and climate goals.

 More Than Transport: A Long-Term National Investment

The project’s impact goes well beyond rail tracks and stations. Etihad Rail estimates that the initiative will help create over 9,000 jobs by 2030, spanning engineering, construction, train operations, logistics, and maintenance.

As part of the UAE’s long-term infrastructure strategy, the passenger rail network reflects a broader vision - one that integrates mobility, economic growth, and sustainability into a single national framework.

 Riding Into 2026

When passenger services begin, Etihad Rail is expected to reshape how people experience distance within the UAE. What once required long drives will become a smooth, time-efficient rail journey, supporting everyday commuters while enhancing the country’s appeal as a global business and tourism hub.

With construction progressing and stations taking shape, the UAE’s passenger rail revolution is no longer a future concept - it’s firmly on track.