Imagine bypassing heavy traffic and covering the journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in just 57 minutes, at a speed of 200 km/h. This will soon be possible, as Etihad Rail has officially revealed the travel times for its passenger rail services connecting the UAE’s capital with other major emirates.
57-Minute Journey to Dubai Announced
Etihad Rail’s high-speed passenger trains are set to transform travel across the UAE. The announced journey time from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will be just 57 minutes—cutting travel time nearly in half from the current two-hour car ride. Other destinations will also see reduced travel times, including a 70-minute journey from Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais and a 105-minute trip from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah
Connecting 11 Cities and Regions Across the UAE
The passenger rail service will connect 11 cities and regions throughout the country, including key locations such as Al Sila, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. Two passenger station locations have already been confirmed: one at Sakamkam in Fujairah and the other at Sharjah’s University City. Additional station locations and service details are expected to be announced in the coming months as the project moves closer to launching. Once operational, Etihad Rail expects the service to transport approximately 36.5 million passengers annually.
First Glimpse of UAE’s New High-Speed Passenger Trains
Earlier this year, UAE residents caught a first look at the futuristic passenger trains during a rail journey between Abu Dhabi city and Al Dhannah. With sleek designs and high-tech interiors, these trains promise a stylish, comfortable experience for passengers. The trains will feature silver and grey coaches, fitted with various seating classes arranged in a 2+2 format, much like on an airplane. Compartment doors will be electric, and TV screens will provide passengers with real-time information on their journey.
Luxury Coaches and Scenic Destinations
The passenger trains will include 15 luxurious carriages, travelling between some of the UAE’s most iconic locations—from the cosmopolitan hubs of Abu Dhabi and Dubai to the rugged mountains of Fujairah and the famed Liwa desert, near Mezeiraa station. This blend of urban and natural destinations offers a unique travel experience across the UAE.
The UAE Railways Programme
The UAE Railways Programme, launched in December 2021, is a key part of the nation’s Dh50 billion investment in building an integrated transportation network. It includes freight and passenger rail services, linking major cities across the country. By 2030, the rail sector is expected to create over 9,000 jobs and provide significant support to the wider economy.
Freight Services Already in Operation
Much of the infrastructure for the UAE rail network has been completed, with freight trains already operational since 2023. The freight fleet, considered the most advanced in the region, includes 38 locomotives and can transport up to 60 million tons of goods annually. This modern freight service is a crucial part of the UAE’s national logistics and trade infrastructure.
Etihad Rail’s New Identity
Etihad Rail recently revealed its updated brand identity, featuring a redesigned logo inspired by the falcon’s eye and the train’s silhouette. The falcon symbolizes agility, precision, and speed, reflecting Etihad Rail’s vision for the future as it continues to build a high-tech rail network for the UAE.
The introduction of these high-speed passenger trains promises a new era of travel efficiency, bringing the UAE closer together while reducing road traffic and travel times across the nation.
