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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
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 |
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.
To ensure seamless multimodal travel, passenger train stations will be integrated with:
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.
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.
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