Etihad Rail Announces First Passenger Train Routes Connecting Key UAE Cities

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE's National Rail Network, has exclusively announced the first passenger train routes, marking a milestone in the country's largest infrastructure project.

In its initial phase, the passenger service will connect the cities of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah.

Here are the key details of the service, slated to launch in 2026:

🚄 Initial Routes and Stations

While the complete network will eventually feature 11 stations, the initial route will include three main stations selected based on population density and travel demand:

1️⃣ Abu Dhabi: Station located in Mohammed bin Zayed City, a growing area near Mussafah and opposite Dalma Mall.

2️⃣ Dubai: Station located in the Jumeirah Golf Estates area.

3️⃣ Fujairah: Station located in Sakamkam neighborhood, near the Al Hilal City development project.

🚄 Travel Time and Speed

▪️ Speed: Trains will operate at a speed of 200 km/h.

▪️ Abu Dhabi to Dubai: Approximately 1 hour.

▪️ Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: Approximately 90 minutes.

▪️ Capacity: Each train will have a capacity of 400 passengers.

🚄 Integration with Urban Transportation

Etihad Rail Mobility Executive Vice President, Azza Al Suwaidi, emphasized that passenger access to and from the stations is as important as the journey itself. Plans are in place to connect the stations to:

▪️ Metro and bus services

▪️ Taxi and e-hailing services (new partnership with Yango group)

▪️ Parking facilities and dedicated bicycle spaces

🚄 Future Outlook

Upon full operation, the lines are expected to serve 10 million passengers annually. The rail network will not only connect the commercial hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi but will also enhance access to the East Coast and boost tourism by connecting to Fujairah.

Note: Etihad Rail had previously announced a separate plan for a high-speed electric train that would reduce travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to 30 minutes, but the current announcement focuses on the main passenger network operating on existing freight lines.