Etihad Rail Passenger Service to Launch in 2026: Transforming Travel Across the UAE
June 5, 2025
Etihad Rail Passenger Train Service to Launch in 2026, Connecting UAE Cities
Etihad Rail has confirmed that its long-awaited passenger train service will officially launch in 2026, offering a faster, more convenient way to travel across the UAE.
The announcement was made through a post on X (formerly Twitter) and later confirmed by Etihad Rail’s media team. This marks a major step forward in one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, first announced in 2021.
Fast, Comfortable Travel Across the UAE
The new passenger trains are expected to run at speeds of up to 200 km/h and will carry around 400 passengers per trip. A journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will take just 57 minutes, while a trip from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The first four stations will be located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah:
- Sharjah station will be near the airport and University City.
- Fujairah station will be in the Sakamkam area.
- Dubai station is expected to be near Jumeirah Golf Estates, as part of a new development by Wasl.
- The Abu Dhabi station location is still to be officially confirmed.
All stations will connect with existing public transport systems to make travel easier and more efficient.
What is Etihad Rail?
Etihad Rail is the UAE’s national railway network. The project started in 2009, with freight services running since 2016. Currently, trains carry up to 22,000 tonnes of sulphur every day from the Shah and Habshan gas fields to the port in Ruwais.
Once fully complete, Etihad Rail will link all seven emirates and connect the UAE with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, making it a key part of the GCC’s regional transportation network.
Future High-Speed Train Plans
Etihad Rail has also announced a separate high-speed rail service between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This electrified line will feature its own stations, although construction has not yet started and a launch date is still to be announced.
