Etihad Rail Abu Dhabi: UAE’s High-Speed Passenger Train by 2026
Etihad Rail is the UAE’s national railway network, designed to connect cities, ports, and industrial zones across all seven emirates. It’s one of the country’s most important transport projects, built to support both freight and passenger travel.
Starting in 2026, Etihad Rail will begin its passenger service, bringing fast, modern trains to the public for the first time. These trains will connect cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, helping people travel more quickly and comfortably than ever before. Abu Dhabi is set to be a major part of the network, with several stations expected in the city.
With the UAE growing fast, there’s a bigger need for clean, reliable, and efficient ways to get around. Etihad Rail will help meet that need, giving people a smarter way to travel across the country.
Etihad Rail Project Scope and Objectives
Etihad Rail is a long-term national project developed to create a railway network across the United Arab Emirates. The full network will cover around 1,200 kilometres. It is planned in stages and will link cities, ports, industrial zones, and remote areas across all seven emirates.
The project has two main parts: freight and passenger services. The freight service became fully operational in 2023. It connects key industrial and trade areas, such as Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, and the Port of Fujairah.
The next stage is the passenger service, which is expected to launch in 2026. It will connect major cities, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah. The trains will run at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour and will offer a faster and more reliable way to travel within the country.
The main goals of the project are:
To reduce travel time between cities.
To support the country’s growth by improving transport links.
To lower traffic on roads and reduce pollution.
To offer more travel choices for both people and businesses.
Etihad Rail is also planned to link with the railway network in Oman in the future. This will allow easier travel and trade between the two countries.
Development Stages
Etihad Rail is being built in stages. The project started with freight services and will later include passenger travel.
The freight network became fully operational in 2023. It covers about 900 kilometres and connects important trade areas across the UAE. These include ports, industrial zones, and border crossings. The freight line links places such as Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, the Port of Fujairah, and the border with Saudi Arabia at Ghuweifat. This part of the network is used to move goods like building materials, containers, and other cargo.
The passenger network is the next stage. It is expected to start in 2026. The plan includes high-speed trains that will connect major cities and towns across the country. The trains are designed to run at speeds up to 200 kilometres per hour. This will reduce travel time between emirates and give people a faster and more comfortable way to travel.
The full railway network is designed to link all seven emirates. In the future, Etihad Rail will also connect with Oman through the Hafeet Rail project. This will allow trains to travel between the UAE and the Omani city of Sohar, supporting movement of both people and goods across the border.
Etihad Rail Route and Map
The full Etihad Rail network will cover around 1,200 kilometres once completed. It will run from Al Sila in the western region of Abu Dhabi, near the border with Saudi Arabia, to Fujairah on the east coast.
The route is planned to connect major cities and regions across all seven emirates. Key stops along the line include:
Abu Dhabi – including stations on Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Yas Island.
Dubai – with a main station near Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Sharjah – passing through central areas to improve access to neighbouring emirates.
Ras Al Khaimah – linking the northern emirates to the national network.
Al Ruwais – an industrial and shipping area in western Abu Dhabi.
Al Mirfa and Al Dhaid – smaller towns that will benefit from improved regional transport.
Fujairah – the final eastern point, with access to the port and coastal trade routes.
The network is designed to support both passenger and freight services. It will also connect to ports, airports, and major industrial zones. A future cross-border link with Oman will connect the UAE city of Al Wathba with Sohar in Oman.
Etihad Rail train in Dubai at night with city skyline in the background
Passenger Experience and Train Features
The Etihad Rail passenger service is designed to offer a fast and comfortable way to travel between emirates. The trains will run at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour. This will help reduce travel time across the country.
For example, once the service begins:
The journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is expected to take about 57 minutes.
The trip from Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais will take around 70 minutes.
Travelling from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will take about 105 minutes.
Each train will have the capacity to carry up to 400 passengers. The trains will include Wi-Fi, charging points, entertainment systems, and food and drink options to make the trip more convenient for passengers.
To make payment easier, the service will be linked with the UAE’s existing nol card system. This means passengers can use the same card that is used on buses and metros, creating a simple and connected way to pay for travel.
Etihad Rail and Access Points
Etihad Rail will include a number of passenger stations in major cities. These stations are being planned in areas that are easy to reach for both residents and visitors.
In Abu Dhabi, the expected station locations include:
Reem Island – a mixed-use area with housing, offices, and shops.
Saadiyat Island – known for cultural sites and hotels.
Yas Island – a leisure and entertainment hub, home to theme parks and events.
In Dubai, the main passenger station is expected to be built near Jumeirah Golf Estates. This station will be connected to the existing metro network, making it easier for people to transfer between rail and metro services.
Economic Impact and Cost of the Etihad Rail Project
Etihad Rail is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the UAE. It is expected to bring long-term economic benefits by improving how goods and people move across the country. The rail network will reduce pressure on roads, lower transport costs, and support trade through better links between ports, cities, and industrial areas.
The project will also help businesses by making transport more reliable and reducing delivery times. It is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in areas such as construction, logistics, and operations.
The full cost of the Etihad Rail project is estimated to be over AED 50 billion. This includes building the full network, buying trains, and setting up support systems. The project is funded by the UAE government and involves partnerships with local and international companies.
Future Expansion and the UAE-Oman Link
Etihad Rail is planned to expand beyond the UAE through a joint project with Oman. This cross-border connection is called the Hafeet Rail Project. It will link Sohar, a port city in Oman, with Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi. The total length of this new line will be about 303 kilometres.
The UAE-Oman railway will support trade between the two countries by offering a direct and efficient land transport option. It will also allow passengers to travel between the UAE and Oman by train in the future.
This expansion is part of a wider plan to improve regional transport across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Etihad Rail’s link with Oman shows how the project is helping to build stronger ties between neighbouring countries through shared infrastructure.