Abu Dhabi/Dubai : Imagine travelling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in just 30 minutes. This will soon become a reality with the launch of Etihad Rail’s high-speed passenger service, set to redefine transportation in the UAE. With trains expected to run at speeds of up to 350 km/h, the UAE’s national railway network is poised to make travel faster, greener, and more efficient than ever.
A Vision 17 Years in the Making
Founded in June 2009, Etihad Rail is a federally funded initiative aimed at building a modern railway infrastructure across the UAE and beyond. Over the past decade, the project has achieved major milestones — from transporting granulated sulphur from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais in 2016, to completing the 1,200 km national freight network in 2023. Passenger services are set to begin next year, marking the culmination of a long-term strategic vision.
Why Etihad Rail Matters
Etihad Rail is not just a transportation upgrade — it’s a game-changer for the UAE and the broader GCC region. The railway aims to:
- Reduce road congestion by shifting heavy cargo from highways to rail
- Lower carbon emissions with a sustainable alternative to trucks
- Enhance logistics and connectivity for businesses and industries
- Unify communities with faster and more reliable travel
- Strengthen the economy by linking trade and industrial hubs
Network Scale and Connectivity
The full network spans 1,200 km, connecting 11 key cities and regions across the seven emirates — from Al Sila in Abu Dhabi’s western region to Fujairah on the east coast. The rail line also links major ports and industrial zones including:
- Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi)
- Jebel Ali Port (Dubai)
- Port of Fujairah
- Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD)
- Al Ruwais and Ghuweifat
Phased Development
Stage One (2016)
- Operational freight transport from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais (264 km)
Stage Two (2023)
- Completion of 900 km of track linking all seven emirates
- Launch of nationwide freight operations
Stage Three (Upcoming)
- Integration with the proposed GCC railway network connecting UAE to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar
Passenger Services: A New Era of Travel
Etihad Rail’s passenger service is expected to carry 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030. Each train will accommodate up to 400 passengers and offer:
- Top speed: Up to 350 km/h (Abu Dhabi–Dubai high-speed route)
- Comfortable travel: Spacious seating, Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment, food, and beverages
- Smart integration: Stations connected to local metro, bus, and last-mile transport networks
- Payment convenience: Nol cards will be accepted for fare payments
Estimated Travel Times
| Route | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi – Dubai | 30–57 minutes |
| Abu Dhabi – Fujairah | 105 minutes |
| Abu Dhabi – Al Ruwais | 70 minutes |
| Sohar (Oman) – Abu Dhabi | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Sohar – Al Ain | 47 minutes |
Main Passenger Stations
Stations will be located in major urban and commercial hubs, with designs inspired by Emirati heritage and equipped with business lounges, retail stores, and family-friendly services.
Confirmed Station Locations:
- Abu Dhabi: Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Mussafah–Mohammed Bin Zayed City (near Dalma Mall), Zayed International Airport
- Dubai: Near Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, Al Maktoum International Airport, Al Jaddaf
- Sharjah: Near University City
- Fujairah: Sakamkam (first station completed)
Last-Mile Connectivity
To ensure seamless multimodal travel, passenger train stations will be integrated with:
- Metro and bus networks
- Shared mobility options like e-scooters and bikes
- Enhanced pedestrian infrastructure
UAE–Oman Rail Link: Hafeet Rail
In 2024, UAE and Oman launched the Hafeet Rail project to connect both nations via a 303 km rail line. The line will link Sohar Port in Oman with the UAE’s national railway, enhancing cross-border trade and reducing travel times significantly.
- Project value: $3 billion
- Partners: Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, Mubadala Investment Company
- Travel times: Sohar to Abu Dhabi in 1 hour 40 minutes; Sohar to Al Ain in 47 minutes
A Leap Toward a Digital, Green Future
Etihad Rail is not just about faster trains — it represents the UAE’s broader vision for sustainable, technologically advanced infrastructure. With carbon reduction, economic growth, and regional integration at its core, the rail network is set to reshape the future of mobility in the Middle East.
