Revealed on
January 9, 2026
Etihad Rail has taken a major step in direction of revolutionizing the UAE’s transport infrastructure with the announcement of its full passenger railway community. This main improvement marks a pivotal second within the nation’s transport evolution, because the UAE prepares to launch the first-ever totally built-in nationwide passenger rail system. The brand new community is ready to reinforce connectivity throughout 11 key cities and areas, with strategically positioned stations that may make journey between these places extra environment friendly and accessible.
The primary 4 stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah had been revealed in early 2025, establishing the spine of the passenger community. At this time, Etihad Rail unveils the remaining stations that may make up this huge community. Al Sila’, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a, Al Faya, and Al Dhaid will quickly be part of the operational stations, with providers being rolled out in phases. This complete system will seamlessly hyperlink city hubs and rural areas, making journey simpler for each residents and guests.
Commenting on the announcement, Azza AlSuwaidi, Deputy CEO, Etihad Rail Mobility, underscored the mission’s strategic significance, saying: “Our preparations to launch passenger providers throughout the nationwide railway community in 2026 mirror the imaginative and prescient of our sensible management to construct an built-in transport ecosystem that helps the UAE’s financial and social cloth.”
She continued: “The passenger rail community will function a cornerstone of the UAE’s nationwide transport ecosystem, supporting the nation’s long-term improvement and strengthening connectivity throughout its Emirates. It additionally builds on our confirmed success since 2023 in working the nationwide freight rail service. This nationwide milestone is the results of shut collaboration amongst all companions and stakeholders, pushed by distinctive nationwide expertise and underpinned by international greatest practices. In parallel, we’ve outfitted the community with a next-generation fleet and superior applied sciences, in partnership with main worldwide operators, to make sure the very best requirements of high quality, reliability and security.”
She added, highlighting the mission’s nationwide id and future imaginative and prescient: “Our trains could have a distinctly Emirati id that strengthens nationwide cohesion, whereas serving as a long-term funding within the nation’s transport and infrastructure sectors. These strategic tasks will increase home tourism and set up a brand new regional customary for sustainable, peoplecentred mobility, enhancing group wellbeing and enhancing high quality of life.”
The brand new railway community guarantees an distinctive passenger expertise, combining fashionable design with cutting-edge expertise. Trains will function ergonomic seating designed for consolation throughout lengthy journeys, with modern interiors that improve the general journey atmosphere. To cater to the wants of at the moment’s related traveler, every seat might be outfitted with particular person energy shops and Wi-Fi entry, making certain passengers stay productive or entertained all through their journey. The community will run on a exact and common schedule, eliminating the hassles of street congestion and providing a dependable and environment friendly various for touring between cities.
Etihad Rail’s passenger community shouldn’t be solely set to offer smoother, faster journeys but in addition deliver far-reaching advantages to the UAE’s economic system and society. The system is anticipated to bolster home tourism by making it simpler for vacationers to discover completely different elements of the nation. Furthermore, it aligns with the UAE’s long-term environmental targets by contributing to efforts aimed toward decreasing emissions, providing a sustainable journey various to street transport. The combination of those cities by rail additionally strengthens social and financial ties, making the UAE extra interconnected and accessible than ever earlier than.
Reflecting on the providing for passengers on the Etihad Rail Community, Eng. Mohammed Alshehii, Chief Tasks Officer at Etihad Rail, stated that the service will formally launch in 2026. It its first section the community will join 11 cities and areas that “have been fastidiously chosen inside key places akin to Mohammed Bin Zayed Metropolis in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, College Metropolis in Sharjah and the Al Hilal space in Fujairah.”
Alshehii added: “Our trains have been designed to supply a dependable, congestion-free various for intercity journey, with a give attention to decreasing journey occasions. Ten of the 13 trains in our fleet have arrived, the place they’ve been examined and licensed to the very best worldwide security and high quality requirements. Every prepare can accommodate as much as 400 passengers and might be operated utilizing the most recent techniques to make sure reliability and safety. Our providers might be seamlessly built-in into the broader transport community, with stations related to different modes of transport.”
Commenting on the dimensions of the Etihad Rail mission, Alshehii stated: This achievement is the results of three years of intensive planning, design, and supply, with whole working hours reaching 24.5 million and the involvement of greater than 7,000 specialists and employees.”
Because the community progresses in direction of completion, it’s clear that Etihad Rail’s imaginative and prescient for a contemporary, sustainable, and well-connected transport system is ready to remodel the way in which individuals journey inside the UAE, enhancing each the nation’s infrastructure and high quality of life for its residents and guests alike. This forward-thinking mission is not going to solely redefine journey inside the Emirates but in addition place the UAE as a pacesetter in transportation innovation within the area.
