Etihad Rail, the United Arab Emirates’ national railway network, is set to launch a UAE passenger rail service sometime in 2026. The service would not only provide a new option within the country’s mobility network, but it would also link Dubai and Abu Dhabi in just 50 minutes.
Up until now, Etihad Rail has been concentrating its efforts on freight transportation since it became operational in 2016. However, with the rail infrastructure in place, the company is now looking to expand its services to passenger transport.
The first rail network to be opened spans over 900 kilometres and links 11 cities, such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. It will be opened in phases, with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah to be the first to become operational.
The UAE’s initial passenger rail routes connect the capital, Abu Dhabi with Dubai, and extend to Fujairah through an integrated rail network that supports economic activity and offers passengers a new, reliable way to travel between emirates. pic.twitter.com/3akhfWLHIP
— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) February 2, 2026
The route will deploy 13 trains, each of which will be able to transport up to 400 passengers. The trains include modern features such as ergonomic seating, sleek interior design, Wi-Fi, and individual power outlets. If all goes according to plan, by 2030, the service should count 36.5 million annual travellers.
“We have equipped the network with a next-generation fleet and advanced technologies, in partnership with leading international operators, to ensure the highest standards of quality, reliability, and safety,” said Azza AlSuwaidi, deputy CEO at Etihad Rail.
Led by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail held a meeting at the Abu Dhabi Passenger Station in Mohammed Bin Zayed City to review progress across the UAE’s national rail network and the company’s readiness for the launch of… pic.twitter.com/5fGHdPMTsm
— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) January 30, 2026
New mobility option
With a speed of up to 200 kilometres per hour, the rail connection will provide the fastest link between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, taking just 50 minutes to complete. At the time of writing, travelling between the two cities has to be done by car or by bus, taking an hour and a half.
“Our trains have been designed to offer a reliable, congestion-free alternative for intercity travel, with a focus on reducing journey times. Ten of the 13 trains in our fleet have arrived, where they have been tested and certified to the highest international safety and quality standards. This achievement is the result of three years of intensive planning, design, and delivery, with total working hours reaching 24.5 million and the involvement of more than 7,000 experts and workers”, stated Mohammed Alshehii, chief projects officer at Etihad Rail.
Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed has chaired @Etihad_Rail’s board meeting at the Abu Dhabi passenger station in Mohamed bin Zayed City and reviewed developments of the UAE’s national rail network and the passenger train project, scheduled to commence operations in 2026. pic.twitter.com/ZoNvF9aSiF
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) January 30, 2026
The Etihad Rail passenger service is expected not only to improve mobility between cities, but also to boost tourism and to help reduce the country’s CO2 emissions. The route should be operational before the end of 2026, although no precise opening date has been shared yet at the time of writing.
