In a landmark moment for the UAE’s transportation future, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, recently took a historic ride on the Etihad Rail passenger train from Dubai to Fujairah. This ride, which was widely publicized on social media, did not only mark the success of the national railway project in the UAE but also marked the beginning of the clock to the opening of the passenger service in 2026. As the UAE prepares to connect its seven emirates through a cutting-edge railway network, Etihad Rail is poised to redefine travel, boost economic growth, and promote sustainable transportation across the region.

The Vision Behind Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail is the UAE’s ambitious national railway network, designed to connect 11 key cities and regions across all seven emirates. The project stretches about 900 kilometers west to Al Sila and east to Fujairah, and it started in 2009 and has already made considerable progress, such as the opening of freight services in 2023. Built to international standards, Etihad Rail aims to enhance connectivity, streamline logistics, and support the UAE’s shift toward sustainable transportation.

The passenger service, which is scheduled to be commissioned in 2026, will have high-speed trains with a speed of up to 200kmph. This will dramatically cut down the travelling time with a trip like Abu Dhabi to Dubai taking only 57 minutes and Abu Dhabi to Fujairah taking around 105 minutes. By 2030, the network is expected to move 36.5 million passengers per year, and thus it has become a backbone of the UAE infrastructure.

Key Cities Connected by Etihad Rail

The Etihad Rail network will link the following 11 cities and regions, enhancing accessibility across the UAE:

Sheikh Mohammed’s Historic Journey

Sheikh Mohammed’s ride on the Etihad Rail passenger train from Dubai to Fujairah was a pivotal moment, showcasing the project’s readiness and its significance to the nation. Accompanied by the Etihad Rail team, led by Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the project’s milestones and future plans. On social media, he posted, “Proud of our national projects... proud of the Etihad Trains team... and proud of a country that never sleeps, but continues to add a new brick each day to its future infrastructure.”

The trip was covered in photos and videos posted by Dubai Media Office, which highlights the elegant design of the train and the picturesque path along the UAE landscapes, both urban skyscrapers and coastal views. This event not only highlighted the technological advancements of Etihad Rail but also reinforced the UAE’s commitment to innovation and connectivity.

Passenger Service Details

The Etihad Rail passenger service, set to launch in 2026, will offer a modern, efficient, and sustainable alternative to road travel. The main characteristics are:

• Speed and Efficiency: Trains will be able to reach speeds of 200kmph which will help in cutting down the travelling time between major cities.
• Capacity: The trains will have a capacity of 400 passengers with the possibility of first class, business class and economy seats.
• Facilities: The passengers will enjoy modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and spacious seats.
• Station Locations: Confirmed stations are Sakamkam in Fujairah and University City in Sharjah with possible stops in Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai and Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi.

Planned Station Locations

The following table outlines confirmed and potential station locations for the Etihad Rail passenger service:

Broader Implications

Etihad Rail is more than just a railway—it’s a catalyst for economic and environmental progress. The network will promote tourism, trade and business opportunities as goods and people will move between key cities and regions. It is projected that the railway will decrease road congestion by 30-40 percent, which will decrease carbon emissions and be consistent with the sustainability objectives of the UAE.

Also, the Hafeet Rail project will expand the connectivity to Sohar, Oman, which will promote regional integration and enhance the relationship with the neighboring countries. The launch of the passenger service in 2026 will also be associated with the fact that the UAE is already diversifying its economy and improving its international image as an innovation center.

Etihad Rail represents a bold step toward a connected, sustainable, and prosperous UAE. The trip of Sheikh Mohammed between Dubai and Fujairah is a vision of what travel in the region will be like in the future with high-speed trains connecting cities, cultural destinations, and industrial sectors. As the 2026 launch approaches, Etihad Rail is set to transform the UAE’s transportation landscape, offering residents and visitors a faster, greener, and more convenient way to explore the nation.