Etihad Rail’s passenger service is set to launch in 2026, marking a major milestone in the UAE’s transportation landscape. The network will eventually connect all seven emirates, significantly cutting travel time between key cities. While freight services are already in operation, the passenger rollout is expected to begin with select routes.
The 900km rail system will link 11 cities and include stations in Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Each train will carry over 400 passengers, offering first class, business, and economy seating, and reaching speeds up to 200 km/h. Initial stations include Sakamkam in Fujairah and a second near University City in Sharjah, with future expansions planned across the region.
Once fully operational, the system is projected to serve 36.5 million passengers annually. Travel times will be significantly reduced, with Abu Dhabi to Dubai taking just 50 minutes, and Dubai to Fujairah the same. Additional high-speed rail plans between Abu Dhabi and Dubai aim to cut that journey down to just 30 minutes.
