One-hour Abu Dhabi–Dubai journeys set to reshape commuting as Etihad Rail nears launch
Following the announcement of four main stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, Etihad Rail has now revealed additional stations across key locations, which will be commissioned in phases.
Etihad Rail has confirmed the first routes of its long-awaited passenger rail network. The opening phase will connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah, forming a central rail spine linking the UAE’s main commercial centres with the east coast.
Passenger services are expected to begin in 2026, with additional routes and stations to be launched gradually thereafter.
“I can now reveal the initial routes that will launch in 2026,” said Azza Al Suwaidi, Deputy Chief Executive of Etihad Rail Mobility. “Initially, trains will operate between Abu Dhabi and Dubai — our twin centres of commerce — and will also connect with Fujairah in the east. From this core route, additional connections and stations will come online throughout 2026 and beyond. We expect strong demand.”
Faster intercity travel
Journey times between Abu Dhabi and Dubai are expected to be around one hour, while travel between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah will take approximately 90 minutes. Final timetables are still under development.
Trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour and will be able to carry up to 400 passengers.
The Abu Dhabi–Dubai route will feature frequent services, reflecting growing commuter and business travel between the two emirates. The connection to Fujairah is intended to support tourism and improve access to the east coast, offering an alternative to increasingly congested road networks.
Population growth across the UAE and rising pressure on highways were key factors in determining the first passenger routes. Station locations were selected based on population density, projected travel demand and inter-emirate connectivity.
Stations taking shape
The first three passenger stations will be located in Mohamed bin Zayed City (Abu Dhabi), Jumeirah Golf Estates (Dubai) and Sakamkam district in Fujairah, near the Al Hilal City development.
Construction at all three stations has progressed rapidly over the past year. Their architectural designs focus on openness, accessibility and intuitive navigation.
“I can’t wait for passengers to step onboard and experience the full rail network,” Al Suwaidi said.
Planning beyond the train journey
Etihad Rail expects around 10 million passengers annually to use the network. Passenger services will operate on the existing national freight rail line.
Last week, the company confirmed the locations of 11 passenger stations nationwide, which it described as the foundational elements of the future network.
“The UAE’s rail network has been designed from the outset to anticipate the needs of a growing nation,” Al Suwaidi said. “Station locations have been chosen to complement existing population centres and areas designated for future development. Our ambition is for the rail network itself to act as a catalyst for economic and urban growth.”
A major focus is ensuring seamless access beyond the platform. Etihad Rail is developing first- and last-mile solutions, integrating stations with metro and bus systems, taxis, ride-hailing services, and facilities for bicycles and personal transport.
“How people reach the station and continue their journey is just as important as the train ride itself,” Al Suwaidi noted. “Travel habits vary, and transport connections must reflect real life. We are working closely with public transport operators and partners, including new collaborations such as our partnership with Yango Group.”
Built for the long term
Established in 2009, Etihad Rail initially focused on freight operations, with the national freight network becoming fully operational in 2023.
Developing a passenger rail network from scratch presented significant challenges.
“Delivering a project of this scale required more than 7,000 specialists and workers, over 24 million working hours, and three years of construction,” Al Suwaidi said. “By taking the time to build it properly, we are creating infrastructure that will earn public trust and serve the country for generations.”
Plans are also underway for a separate electrified high-speed passenger line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which aims to reduce travel time to just 30 minutes. A launch date for this high-speed service has not yet been announced.
Inside the future passenger trains
At the Global Rail Conference in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Rail presented the first glimpse of its upcoming passenger trains. A prototype model of the sleek silver train cabin, bearing the iconic black-and-red Etihad Rail branding, was displayed.
According to video presentations shown at the event, each train will feature multiple cabin types: economy class, family seating areas within economy, and business class.
The economy class prototype features dark grey back-to-back seating. The family section includes face-to-face seating with extended tables, while business-class seats are wider and fully adjustable for enhanced comfort.
All cabins will be equipped with tray tables, overhead luggage storage, and designated areas for larger baggage items.
Passenger train operations across the UAE are scheduled to begin by 2026, marking a major transformation in intercity travel.