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Etihad rail passenger trains linking 11 cities nationwide / Image: file
The UAE is on the brink of a transport revolution with Etihad Rail’s national passenger service, set to begin operations in 2026. After years of infrastructure build-out and testing, the first integrated passenger rail network will link cities from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east, offering a safe, efficient alternative to road travel and boosting connectivity across all seven emirates.
What does the Etihad rail network include?
Etihad Rail’s network will feature 11 strategically located passenger stations that serve urban centres, desert communities, coastal towns, and educational hubs. The service is designed to be more than just a commute, it’s meant to reshape how people move around the country.
| Station Name | Emirate / Region | Key Significance & Connections |
| Al Sila | Abu Dhabi (West) | Near the Saudi border; key for cross-border travel. |
| Al Dhannah | Abu Dhabi (West) | Formerly Ruwais; a major industrial and growing urban hub. |
| Al Mirfa | Abu Dhabi (West) | A coastal town known for its beaches and local culture. |
| Madinat Zayed | Abu Dhabi (West) | The heart of Al Dhafra; famous for traditional festivals. |
| Mezairaa | Abu Dhabi (West) | Gateway to the Liwa Oasis and rich Emirati heritage sites. |
| Mohammed bin Zayed City | Abu Dhabi (Capital) | The primary hub for the capital connects to city transport. |
| Al Faya | Abu Dhabi / Dubai Border | Strategic stop serving communities between the two cities. |
| Jumeirah Golf Estates | Dubai | Linked directly to the Dubai Metro Red Line. |
| University City | Sharjah | An educational and commuter hub for students and staff. |
| Al Dhaid | Sharjah (Central) | An oasis town known for its fresh produce and markets. |
| Sakamkam (Al Hilal) | Fujairah | The eastern terminus connects the coast to the network. |
High-tech speed
The most significant impact of Etihad Rail is the sheer amount of time it hands back to the average resident. For the thousands who endure the daily grind of the E11 or E311 highways, the rail service represents a massive lifestyle shift.
Operating at cruising speeds of 200 km/h, the trains offer a precise, congestion-free schedule that makes road-trip fatigue a thing of the past.
| Route | Estimated Travel Time |
| Abu Dhabi ↔ Dubai | 57 minutes (High-speed: 30 mins) |
| Abu Dhabi ↔ Al Ruwais | 70 minutes |
| Abu Dhabi ↔ Fujairah | 105 minutes |
| Al Ain ↔ Sohar (Oman) | 47 minutes |
Onboard experience
Forget the cramped commutes of the past. Etihad Rail’s passenger fleet, designed by Spain’s CAF, is built to accommodate up to 400 passengers per trip with a focus on ergonomics and luxury. Whether you’re a professional looking to work on the go or a family exploring the Emirates, the onboard environment is designed to feel more like an airline cabin than a traditional train.
- Premium Seating Classes: Choose from First Class (featuring ultra-luxury recliner seats), Business Class, and a spacious Economy Class designed with 2+2 seating configurations.
- Always Connected: Every seat comes equipped with dedicated charging ports and access to high-speed Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay productive or stream entertainment seamlessly.
- Climate & Comfort: Advanced air-conditioning systems specifically adapted for the desert heat ensure a cool, quiet ride even when outside temperatures soar.
- Food & Refreshments: A curated selection of food and beverages will be available onboard, perfect for those morning commutes or late-night returns.
"Door-to-door" concept
Etihad Rail understands that your journey doesn't end when you get off the train. The strategy focuses on "first and last-mile" connectivity. This means major stations like Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai will be directly linked to the Dubai Metro, while others will feature integrated bus terminals and dedicated taxi zones.For the "common man," this means you can theoretically leave your home in Sharjah, take a quick bus to University City station, ride the train to Abu Dhabi, and be in your office in under 90 minutes—all while reading a book or finishing a presentation.
The "digital-first" ticketing system ensures you can book everything via an app, using smart-gates for a frictionless entry.The project is a core pillar of the "UAE Projects of the 50," aimed at fostering economic integration and cutting carbon emissions by 70-80% compared to road transport.Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, stated, "Our goal is to create a network that is safe, efficient, and sustainable. This is not just about transportation; it’s about enhancing the quality of life for every citizen and resident in the UAE."With 10 of the 13 initial passenger trains already on UAE soil and undergoing safety certification as of early 2026, the era of the national railway is officially here.
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