DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, embarked on a landmark journey aboard the Etihad Rail passenger train between Dubai and Fujairah, marking a major milestone ahead of the service’s commercial launch in 2026.
The train ride underscores the UAE leadership’s hands-on commitment to national infrastructure projects that drive connectivity, sustainability and quality of life. During the journey, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by Etihad Rail officials on the progress and achievements of the UAE’s first national passenger railway network.
Calling it “a vital economic artery,” Sheikh Mohammed described Etihad Rail as a cornerstone of the UAE’s integrated transport vision and its aim to become a leading global logistics hub. He highlighted how the railway will promote social and economic development by easing movement across the Emirates.
The visit also emphasised the role of the railway in the country’s sustainability ambitions. Designed for high comfort and operational excellence, the passenger service will reach speeds up to 200 km/h and connect 11 cities across the UAE by 2030. It will accommodate 400 passengers per train, with an estimated ridership of 36.5 million annually.
Commenting on the visit, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, said the ride exemplifies the nation’s visionary leadership and the strategic value of unified transport initiatives. He noted that this marks the beginning of a transformative era in the UAE’s mobility landscape.
The network’s initial four passenger stations – located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah – will become vital hubs in a seamless transport system. Once operational, the national rail network is expected to significantly reduce travel times, enhance accessibility, and support the UAE’s broader goals for sustainable, people-centric development.
