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UAE to launch first passenger rail network linking all seven emirates

#International News#Infrastructure#United Arab Emirates
Last Updated : 17th Jan, 2026
Synopsis

The UAE is set to launch its first national passenger rail network under the Etihad Rail programme later this year, connecting 11 cities and regions across all seven emirates, from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east. Trains will run at speeds up to 200 km/h, offering significant reductions in travel time, including a journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in under an hour. The network features strategically located stations with strong integration to local transport systems, supporting commuters, tourists, and business travel while enhancing national connectivity.

The UAE's first dedicated passenger railway network under the Etihad Rail programme is scheduled for commercial operations later this year, expanding the nation's transport infrastructure beyond its existing freight services. The network will connect 11 cities and regions across all seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Al Sila, linking urban centres, industrial hubs, and coastal towns. This development builds on the country's freight rail network, which has been gradually extended and tested over the past years to ensure operational readiness.


The passenger service will operate with trains running at speeds of up to 200 km/h, providing a faster, safer, and more efficient alternative to road travel. The journey between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is expected to take less than an hour, while trips to Fujairah and other emirates will also save significant travel time compared to road commutes. Each train is designed to carry around 400 passengers, offering comfort for daily commuters, business travellers, and tourists alike.

The network includes 11 strategically located stations, designed to serve key urban, industrial, and coastal areas. Stations are being built to integrate with local transport systems, such as metro lines, buses, and taxis, facilitating smooth first and last mile connectivity. This integration is expected to enhance the travel experience while encouraging greater use of rail as a reliable mode of transport.

Etihad Rail's passenger network is being developed in phases to maintain high standards of safety, reliability, and efficiency. It complements the UAE's freight rail system, which has connected major industrial and logistics hubs across the country. The passenger service aligns with the UAE government's broader vision to improve national mobility, reduce travel time, and strengthen economic connections between the emirates.

The new network also supports environmental goals by offering a more sustainable alternative to road transport, potentially reducing carbon emissions and easing traffic congestion. By linking all major regions from west to east, it will strengthen regional connectivity, enhance tourism potential, and support the daily movement of people for business and personal travel.

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