Printed on
January 30, 2026
Etihad Rail is ready to launch its groundbreaking passenger community in 2026, enhancing connectivity throughout UAE’s main cities with state-of-the-art trains and stations.
Underneath the management of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, the corporate’s Board of Administrators gathered on the Abu Dhabi passenger station in Mohamed bin Zayed Metropolis to overview key updates concerning the UAE’s nationwide rail community and the upcoming passenger prepare mission. This vital gathering marks a milestone within the nation’s transport infrastructure, with plans to start operations for the much-anticipated passenger rail service later this yr.
The assembly was attended by a number of high-profile figures, together with His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Division of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi and a member of Etihad Rail’s Board; His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director Basic and Chairman of the Board of Government Administrators of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), additionally a Board Member of Etihad Rail; and His Excellency Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail. As well as, different board members and senior firm officers have been current to debate the progress of Etihad Rail’s imaginative and prescient.
The first focus of the gathering was the overview of Etihad Rail’s readiness to launch its preliminary passenger rail routes in 2026. The routes will type the spine of the UAE’s nationwide rail system, enhancing connectivity throughout the nation. The deliberate community will hyperlink main cities and strategic hubs, providing a contemporary and environment friendly different for passenger transportation. Among the many newly introduced passenger stations, Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a, Al Faya, and Al Dhaid, alongside 4 main stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, will play a pivotal function on this built-in system. These stations will join 11 key cities, facilitating seamless journey between emirates for residents, residents, and guests.
To make sure that the service meets worldwide requirements, the community will likely be supported by a fleet of 13 superior passenger trains, geared up with trendy facilities and designed to offer a excessive stage of consolation and security. The passenger rail service is poised to considerably strengthen the UAE’s transport infrastructure, providing a dependable and sustainable journey resolution. The nationwide railway system will type the primary absolutely built-in rail community within the UAE, connecting cities and key areas in an environment friendly, eco-friendly method.
In the course of the Board’s go to, His Highness Sheikh Theyab and the group toured one of many passenger trains, reviewing its inside design and onboard options. Additionally they visited the Mohamed bin Zayed Metropolis station, which is present process superior building. The station’s design options distinctive architectural components that replicate the UAE’s imaginative and prescient for modernity and innovation. Its location in a quickly growing residential space underscores the strategic function the station will play in driving each city and financial growth as soon as operational.
Commercial
Commercial
Along with the progress on passenger providers, Etihad Rail additionally introduced an replace on its freight operations, which have seen substantial development in 2025. The corporate reported transporting greater than 6.5 million tonnes of sulphur, over 10 million tonnes of aggregates, and 148,000 containers. This development highlights the rising significance of rail transport for bulk supplies and containers in supporting nationwide commerce. The shift to rail for transporting these items has additionally contributed to a discount in truck journeys, with over 500,000 truck journeys being eradicated within the Al Dhafra area alone. This success in freight transport is a testomony to the effectivity and reliability of rail as a sustainable mode of transport.
The Board additionally mentioned key strategic initiatives, together with the UAE–Oman joint railway community, which is the primary cross-border rail connection between the 2 nations. The mission has made spectacular progress, with 30% of its work already accomplished. As soon as completed, this community is predicted to foster larger commerce and passenger motion between the UAE and Oman, strengthening bilateral relations and supporting financial development within the area.
His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised the significance of Etihad Rail’s achievements in working the nationwide rail community. He highlighted the function of the rail system in bolstering the UAE’s regional and world standing, in addition to advancing the nation’s dedication to sustainable and secure transport options. This initiative aligns with the management’s imaginative and prescient to attach residential, industrial, and business facilities by a sturdy transport infrastructure, finally enhancing nationwide competitiveness and supporting long-term growth targets.
Etihad Rail’s success in freight providers since their inception in 2023, coupled with the substantial progress made in getting ready for passenger operations scheduled for 2026, displays the corporate’s dedication to growing a future-proof transport community. The corporate is devoted to fulfilling the UAE’s imaginative and prescient for transport and infrastructure by repeatedly engaged on constructing a sustainable, secure, and built-in railway system that won’t solely present high-quality providers for freight and passengers but additionally assist commerce, tourism, and nationwide growth.
Because the UAE strikes ahead with these formidable transportation initiatives, Etihad Rail stays devoted to enjoying an important function in shaping the nation’s transport panorama and enhancing connectivity throughout the area. The continuing progress in rail growth underscores the UAE’s dedication to a extra sustainable and environment friendly transport future.
