Etihad Rail passenger service will connect 11 UAE cities by 2026, cutting Abu Dhabi–Dubai travel time to just 50 minutes.
ABU DHABI: The highly anticipated Etihad Rail passenger service is on track to transform travel across the United Arab Emirates, with operations set to begin in 2026. Spanning 900km from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east, the network will connect 11 key cities across all seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Al Mirfa, and Al Ruwais.
Once operational, the Etihad Rail passenger service will slash travel times between major cities. Journeys from Abu Dhabi to Dubai or Dubai to Fujairah will take just 50 minutes, while Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will be completed in one hour and 40 minutes. A separate high-speed rail project, planned to reach speeds of 350km/h, aims to cut Abu Dhabi–Dubai travel to just 30 minutes.
In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority is preparing last-mile solutions, including feeder buses and taxis, to make commuting seamless. The service will feature a maximum speed of 200km/h, with an annual target of transporting 36 million passengers by 2030. Amenities onboard will include infotainment systems, charging ports, food and beverage options, spacious seating, and advanced air-conditioning.
Each train will accommodate about 400 passengers, with business class and economy class options. Stations will feature retail outlets, lounges, and family facilities. In addition, a contract with Italian company Arsenale will bring a luxury Orient Express-style experience to selected journeys.
Construction works are continuing across the network, with temporary road closures in Sharjah announced until August 30 to facilitate progress. Officials say Etihad Rail will reduce commute times by up to 40 percent compared to other transport modes, offering a new era of fast, comfortable, and efficient travel across the UAE.
