After almost 20 years of development and construction, the UAE’s national rail network is now preparing to transport passengers. Etihad Rail is set to begin passenger services in 2026, transforming inter‑emirate travel and setting a new benchmark for rail journeys across the country.
The network stretches approximately 900 km, running from Al Sila in western Abu Dhabi to Fujairah on the east coast. Once operational, passenger trains will connect 11 cities and regions across all seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Al Dhaid and Ras Al Khaimah.
Travel times are projected at around 57 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, 70 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Ruwais, and 105 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. With trains operating at speeds of up to 200 km/h, journeys will be roughly one‑third faster than car travel.
Two types of trains will serve passengers:
Chinese‑built CRC units with a capacity of around 365 passengers, and Spanish‑manufactured CAF units seating about 369. While their designs differ slightly, both feature a three‑class layout.
Each train is expected to carry up to 400 passengers, with multiple daily services once operations are fully scaled. Annual ridership could reach 36.5 million by 2030.
Major passenger stations will be constructed in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, incorporating architectural elements inspired by Emirati heritage and offering lounges, retail outlets and family-friendly amenities.
In Abu Dhabi, stations are planned for Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and the Mussafah–Mohammed bin Zayed City corridor. Dubai’s main station is under construction near the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, with additional stations near Al Jaddaf and Al Maktoum International Airport. Sharjah’s hub will be near University City, while Fujairah’s first passenger station will be in Sakamkam.
Passengers will access stations via smart electronic gates by scanning their tickets. Booking is expected to be primarily online, with ticket vending machines also available. Payment options will include cash, debit and credit cards, and Apple Pay. Ticket prices and final timetables have not yet been released.
Beyond passenger services, Etihad Rail is a vital part of the UAE’s logistics and trade infrastructure, linking major ports such as Khalifa Port, Jebel Ali, and Fujairah with industrial zones across the country. The UAE–Oman Hafeet Rail project will further connect the network to Sohar in Oman.
