UAE Minister Previews Etihad Rail Passenger Service Ahead of 2026 Launch
A UAE minister and top Etihad Rail officials recently completed a pre-launch journey on the new national passenger train network, travelling from Al Qudra in Dubai to Fujairah. The trip offered a preview of the service, which is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2026 and is expected to revolutionise travel across the Emirates.
The ambitious 900-kilometre network will connect 11 cities across all seven emirates, traversing diverse landscapes from deserts to the Hajar Mountains. It aims to ease traffic congestion, link communities, and support the nation’s sustainable development goals.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, who participated in the journey, called the service a “critical step in expanding and upgrading the UAE’s transport network.” He added that it would “improve connectivity for residents, support sustainable economic development, and help reduce emissions.”
Once operational, trains will travel at speeds up to 200 km/h, carrying up to 400 passengers each. This will dramatically reduce travel times, with an expected journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai taking approximately 57 minutes, and Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in around 105 minutes. Ridership is projected to reach 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030.
The passenger service will complement Etihad Rail’s already operational freight network, which connects major hubs like Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali Port to industrial zones. The freight service is projected to transport over 60 million tonnes of goods annually by 2030, contributing to the UAE’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak described the pre-launch journey as a “key milestone,” demonstrating the company’s commitment to an integrated, sustainable, and efficient transport system for the future.
