Etihad Rail Passenger Trains Are Coming – And It’s a Game Changer for the UAE

Etihad Rail is finally making its move into passenger travel, and it’s one of the most exciting developments the UAE has seen in years. After being used exclusively for freight and cargo, the railway network is now gearing up to welcome passengers in 2026.

The Etihad Rail project will connect all seven emirates, linking 11 cities through a 900km-long network. The first stations will be in Fujairah (Sakamkam), Sharjah (near University City), Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. Plans are also in place for a station near Jumeirah Golf Estates, making it more accessible for residents and travelers alike.

Each train will seat over 400 passengers and travel at speeds of up to 200km/h. There will be three travel classes: economy, business, and first class—offering a comfortable and flexible way to get around the country. Travel times are expected to be super convenient, with routes like Abu Dhabi to Dubai and Dubai to Fujairah taking just 50 minutes.

And it doesn’t stop there. A high-speed rail between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is also in the works, which could cut the journey down to just 30 minutes. It’s a massive leap forward for public transport in the UAE, and we can’t wait to hop on board.