The Etihad Rail has unveiled the first planned inter-city passenger train routes in the United Arab Emirates, marking a major milestone in the country’s transport infrastructure development. The announcement paves the way for passenger services across key emirates later this year, reshaping how residents and visitors travel between the UAE’s major cities.
Under the initial phase of operations, the new routes will connect Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed bin Zayed City with Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf Estates station and extend eastwards to Fujairah’s Al Hilal City station, offering a reliable and comfortable alternative to road travel. The routes represent the first step in the UAE’s broader national rail network, which is designed to link 11 cities and major hubs.
The passenger trains are expected to travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h and will carry up to 400 passengers per trip, significantly reducing journey times between the emirates compared with driving. Early estimates suggest travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai could take about an hour, while the trip to Fujairah may take approximately 90 minutes once services begin, though final timetables are still being confirmed.
Etihad Rail officials say the passenger network is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to support economic growth, ease traffic congestion on busy inter-emirate highways, and bolster sustainable mobility across the nation. Future phases are expected to extend rail connectivity to additional emirates and stations as part of a fully integrated national transport system.
The project also includes strategic station placement in residential and commercial corridors, improving access and connectivity for communities across the UAE. Passenger services are planned to begin later this year as the country continues to expand its transport options.
