By Staff Reporter
One-hour Abu Dhabi–Dubai journeys to transform inter-emirate travel as passenger services launch in 2026
Etihad Rail has confirmed the first routes of its long-anticipated passenger rail network, marking a major milestone in the UAE’s transport development. The initial phase will link Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah, creating a central corridor that connects the nation’s primary business hubs with the east coast.
Passenger operations are scheduled to begin in 2026, with additional routes and stations to be introduced in phases thereafter.
Speaking to The National, Azza Al Suwaidi, Deputy Chief Executive of Etihad Rail Mobility, said the opening routes reflect strong demand between the UAE’s major population and economic centres.
“Initially, trains will operate between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, our twin centres of commerce, and extend to Fujairah in the east,” she said. “From this core network, further routes and stations will come online through 2026 and beyond. We are expecting significant demand.”
Faster and more efficient travel
Travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is expected to be approximately one hour, while journeys to Fujairah will take around 90 minutes. Trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour and accommodate up to 400 passengers per trip. Final schedules are still being finalised.
The Abu Dhabi–Dubai route will feature frequent services to cater for growing commuter and business travel. Meanwhile, the Fujairah connection is intended to boost tourism and provide a reliable alternative to increasingly congested road networks.
Etihad Rail said population growth and rising highway usage were key factors in determining the first passenger routes. Station locations were selected based on population density, travel demand and inter-emirate connectivity.
Stations nearing completion
The first three passenger stations will be located in Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, and Sakamkam in Fujairah near the Al Hilal City development.
Construction at all three sites has progressed rapidly over the past year. According to Al Suwaidi, the stations have been designed to be open, welcoming and easy to navigate, offering a seamless passenger experience.
“I look forward to welcoming passengers on board and seeing them experience the rail network,” she said.
Building a connected national network
Etihad Rail expects the passenger service to carry approximately 10 million passengers annually. The trains will operate on the existing national freight rail line, which became fully operational in 2023.
Last week, the company confirmed the locations of 11 stations nationwide, describing them as the foundation of the future passenger network.
“The UAE rail system has been designed with long-term growth in mind,” Al Suwaidi said. “Stations are located not only near existing population centres but also in areas planned for future development. The rail network itself is expected to stimulate further economic and urban growth.”
Focus on first- and last-mile connectivity
Ensuring easy access to stations is a key priority. Etihad Rail is working to integrate rail services with metro and bus networks, taxis, ride-hailing platforms and facilities for bicycles and personal mobility.
“How passengers reach and leave stations is just as important as the journey itself,” Al Suwaidi noted. “We are exploring partnerships with public transport providers and ride-hailing services, including collaborations with companies such as Yango Group.”
Infrastructure built for generations
Founded in 2009, Etihad Rail began freight operations in Abu Dhabi before expanding into a nationwide freight network by 2023. Developing a passenger system from the ground up presented significant challenges.
“Delivering a project of this scale required more than 7,000 workers, over 24 million work hours and three years of intensive effort,” Al Suwaidi said. “By taking the time to build it properly, we are creating infrastructure that will serve the UAE for generations.”
In addition, plans remain in place for a separate electrified high-speed passenger rail line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which aims to reduce travel time to just 30 minutes. A launch date for that service has not yet been announced.
