Revealed on
January 8, 2026
Think about waking as much as the golden solar over Abu Dhabi and watching the sundown towards the rugged mountains of Fujairah. For a very long time, these journeys meant hours of driving and navigating busy highways. Quickly, these lengthy roads will flip into moments of peace and connection. The tracks of Etihad Rail are extra than simply metal. They’re a bridge between households, a path to new adventures, and a promise of a greater tomorrow. This journey isn’t just about shifting individuals. It’s about bringing the soul of the UAE nearer collectively.
Etihad Rail has lastly revealed the total map of its passenger community. This technique will join 11 key cities and areas throughout the nation. The rollout of those stations will occur in phases all through 2026. This marks a large leap for the nation’s transport system. The community contains main hubs like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. It additionally reaches into the guts of the Al Dhafra area.
Stations shall be situated in:
Abu Dhabbi (Momah Zayd Metropolis)Dulan (Decide Golt Estattle) Silver (Alnisitst Metropolis’s 11
This rail community is a game-changer for anybody who likes to discover. From a tourism perspective, it opens up “hidden gems” that have been as soon as laborious to succeed in. Vacationers can now hop on a prepare to see the traditional forts of Fujairah. They’ll go to the huge desert landscapes of Madinat Zayed with no automobile.
The service makes “weekend getaways” a lot simpler for residents and vacationers. You’ll be able to benefit from the luxurious of Dubai after which take a quiet prepare experience to the mountains. It encourages individuals to see extra of the nation in much less time. Worldwide vacationers will discover it easy to navigate between the seven emirates. They received’t have to fret about costly automobile leases or unfamiliar roads.
Etihad Rail isn’t just about pace. It’s concerning the high quality of the time you spend touring. The trains will journey at speeds of as much as 200 km/h. This can slash journey occasions between main cities. For instance, a visit from Abu Dhabi to Dubai shall be a lot sooner and stress-free.
Inside, the expertise is designed to be trendy and seamless. Each seat may have its personal energy outlet. There shall be full Wi-Fi protection throughout the whole fleet. The seating is ergonomic and secure. There are even devoted zones for households and staff. Whether or not you wish to make amends for emails or watch the desert fly by, the prepare has all of it.
Azza AlSuwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, shared her ideas on the launch. She mentioned that the preparations to launch providers in 2026 replicate the imaginative and prescient of the management. She talked about that the community will help the nation’s financial and social material. Based on her, the trains will carry a “distinctly Emirati id.” This id will assist strengthen nationwide cohesion. She views the undertaking as a long-term funding within the nation’s future.
Eng. Mohammed Alshehii, Chief Initiatives Officer, additionally spoke concerning the technical aspect. He famous that the service will formally launch in 2026. He talked about that 10 of the 13 trains within the fleet have already arrived. These trains have been examined to the very best worldwide security requirements. He mentioned every prepare can maintain as much as 400 passengers. The stations are additionally designed to hyperlink with buses and taxis for simple journey.
The advantages of this community go far past simply journey. It’s a main win for the surroundings. By shifting individuals from automobiles to trains, the UAE will see a giant drop in emissions. This aligns with the nation’s targets for a sustainable future.
The undertaking has additionally created 1000’s of jobs. Over 7,000 consultants and staff have been concerned within the course of. Complete working hours have reached 24.5 million. This exhibits the large scale and dedication behind the undertaking. It’s going to additionally assist the actual property market develop across the new stations.
Etihad Rail began its journey again in 2009. Since 2023, it has efficiently operated freight providers. Now, the dream of passenger journey is changing into a actuality. The 900km community is greater than a transport undertaking. It’s a image of progress and unity.
This community will make the UAE really feel extra related and accessible than ever earlier than. It builds stronger ties between the individuals of the completely different emirates. It additionally positions the UAE as a frontrunner in regional mobility.
As the primary trains start to roll throughout the dunes in 2026, the way in which we see the UAE will change ceaselessly. Vacationers will not be separated by lengthy stretches of highway or the stress of site visitors. As a substitute, they are going to be joined by a shared journey. Each station is a brand new door opening to a hidden seaside, or a busy metropolis market. The Etihad Rail is greater than only a prepare. It’s a heartbeat that flows via the land. It reminds us that irrespective of how far we go, we’re all the time shifting collectively towards a shiny and exquisite future.
