Etihad Rail on track to launch passenger services by 2026

Passenger services on the UAE’s national railway network remain on track for a 2026 launch.

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the network, has signed a strategic agreement with Keolis International to establish a joint venture for operating the passenger trains.

Speaking to national news agency WAM on the sidelines of the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Azza Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, said the network aims to deliver a world-class travel experience, with high levels of safety, reliability and comfort.

It will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE — from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east,  passing through Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Journey times will be cut significantly — 57 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, and 105 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah.

The high-speed line will connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes at speeds of up to 350 km per hour.

Al Suwaidi highlighted that each train can accommodate upto 400 passengers, and stations are being designed to ensure accessibility and smooth first- and last-mile connections in partnership with local transport providers.

The overall project is expected to contribute AED 145 billion to the UAE’s GDP over the next 50 years, reinforcing the country’s position as a major player in next-generation rail infrastructure.