Etihad Rail has announced the initial routes of its upcoming passenger rail network, a major step toward transforming intercity travel in the United Arab Emirates. The first phase will connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah, with further routes and stations planned over the coming years.
According to the company and statements reported by The National, travel times are expected to be around one hour between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and approximately 90 minutes to Fujairah. Trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour and accommodate up to 400 passengers per train.
Azza Al Suwaidi, Deputy Chief Executive of Etihad Rail Mobility, explained that the selection of these routes reflects population growth and increasing inter-emirate travel demand. “The initial routes have been designed with population density and high travel demand in mind”, she said during a conference, as reported by The National.
The first stations will be located in Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, and the Sakamkam area in Fujairah. Station locations were chosen based on regional connectivity and proximity to residential and urban development zones.
Etihad Rail is also developing “first and last mile” solutions to integrate the rail service with existing public transport and other mobility options, facilitating easier access to stations. This component is considered key to encouraging passengers to choose rail over private vehicles, especially along busy corridors.
The passenger network is part of a larger plan to connect all seven emirates. In a recent post on X, Etihad Rail shared a preliminary map of its future national network, which spans approximately 900 kilometers and is expected to link up to 11 cities, according to local media coverage.
Etihad Rail, which began freight operations in 2023, estimates that the passenger network could carry tens of millions of users annually by the end of the decade, establishing it as a strategic driver for economic growth, tourism, and national connectivity.
