Etihad Rail passenger service to start operations in 2026
Etihad Rail, the corporate behind the UAE’s nationwide railway community, has confirmed that passenger practice providers will formally launch in 2026. In a submit shared on X (previously Twitter), the developer introduced the beginning date for what is anticipated to be a significant leap ahead in public transport throughout the nation.
The brand new passenger line is ready to considerably enhance journey throughout the UAE by providing a quick, environment friendly and sustainable mode of transport, connecting main cities and areas.
What has already been accomplished on the Etihad Rail community?
In 2023, Etihad Rail launched its expanded community masking 900 km, connecting all seven emirates from Ghuweifat on the Abu Dhabi-Saudi Arabia border to Fujairah on the east coast. Freight practice operations are actually absolutely operational throughout the UAE.
The railway community already hyperlinks key maritime ports and industrial zones, together with Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, the Port of Fujairah, Industrial Metropolis of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), Al Ruwais, and Ghuweifat, enhancing logistics and commerce capabilities.
New Abu Dhabi–Dubai high-speed rail to chop journey to half-hour
The high-speed line will cross by vital locations and vacationer hotspots, providing seamless connections for commuters and guests. Etihad Rail will oversee the event and operation of this new line.
The route will embody six key stations: Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, in addition to stations close to Al Maktoum Worldwide Airport and the Al Jaddaf space in Dubai.
Confirmed and anticipated Etihad Rail passenger station areas
Whereas the precise areas for Abu Dhabi and Dubai stations haven’t but been confirmed, it’s broadly believed that the Dubai station might be situated close to Jumeirah Golf Estates. The principle passenger station is at the moment underneath development subsequent to the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station.
In Abu Dhabi, the station is anticipated to be alongside the pipeline hall separating Mussafah Industrial Space and Mohammed Bin Zayed Metropolis, between Dalma Mall and Mussafah bus station, adjoining to Phoenix Hospital.
Which cities will Etihad Rail join?
The total Etihad Rail passenger community will cowl roughly 1,200 km, connecting 11 cities and areas throughout all seven emirates. It’s going to stretch from Al Sila in Abu Dhabi’s western area to Fujairah on the east coast.
Key stops alongside the community will embody Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah. Future plans embody linking the community with Oman, additional increasing regional connectivity.
UAE-Oman Rail Hyperlink: Hafeet Rail Challenge
In 2024, the UAE and Oman introduced the Hafeet Rail mission to attach the 2 nations by practice. Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala Funding Firm signed an settlement to begin development.
This cross-border railway will span 303 km, linking Sohar in Oman to Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi. It’s going to join with the UAE Nationwide Rail Community, enabling clean journey and transport between the 2 nations.
Etihad rail journey instances and high speeds
The passenger trains are designed to achieve speeds of as much as 200 km/h, slicing commute instances by 30 to 40 per cent in comparison with current transport choices.
Etihad Rail has shared estimated journey durations for key routes as soon as the service is operational:
Abu Dhabi to Dubai: 57 minutes
Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais: 70 minutes
Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: 105 minutes
Practice options and passenger expertise
Every Etihad Rail passenger practice could have a capability of as much as 400 passengers and might be outfitted with fashionable facilities. These embody Wi-Fi, leisure techniques, charging factors, and quite a lot of meals and beverage choices for a cushty journey expertise.
nol card to be accepted on Etihad Rail
In 2024, it was introduced that passengers will be capable of use their nol playing cards when travelling on Etihad Rail. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Etihad Rail signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combine ticket reserving and fare cost with the nol system.
This collaboration goals to supply a unified, user-friendly cost answer for passengers travelling throughout the UAE by rail.
