Etihad Rail has announced the first passenger routes of its much-anticipated railway network, which will begin operations in 2026. The new service will connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah, marking a major step forward for public transport in the UAE.
In the first phase, the rail network will link the country’s main business and population centers with the east coast. This will provide residents and visitors with a faster, safer, and more reliable way to travel between emirates, reducing dependence on cars and long road journeys.
Travel times are expected to be significantly shorter. The journey between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is estimated to take about one hour, while travel to Fujairah will take around 90 minutes. Passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, ensuring smooth and efficient intercity travel.
The project is designed to reduce traffic congestion on major highways, support domestic tourism, and improve connectivity across the country. Once fully operational, the passenger rail service is expected to serve around 10 million passengers each year, making it an important part of the UAE’s future transport system.
