Etihad Rail unveils seven new stations ahead of phased launch this year

Etihad Rail has unveiled seven new stations on its network ahead of its launch this year.

The new stations will be at Al Sila’, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a, Al Faya and Al Dhaid, and will become operational in phases.

It's in addition to the previously announced stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah.

Mohammed Alshehii, Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail, said 10 of the 13 trains in the fleet have arrived and "have been tested and certified to the highest international safety and quality standards".

Each train can accommodate up to 400 passengers and will be operated using the latest systems to ensure reliability and security.

They've been designed to offer a comfortable and modern travel experience, featuring safe and ergonomic seating, contemporary interior designs, full Wi-Fi coverage, and individual power outlets at every seat. "Our trains will have a distinctly Emirati identity that strengthens national cohesion, while serving as a long-term investment in the country’s transport and infrastructure sectors," highlighted Azza AlSuwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility.

Alshehii added that the "services will be seamlessly integrated into the wider transport network, with stations connected to other modes of transport", offering "a reliable, congestion-free alternative for intercity travel, with a focus on reducing journey times".

The first phase of the network will connect 11 cities and areas that “have been carefully selected within key locations such as Mohammed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, University City in Sharjah and the Al Hilal area in Fujairah", he said.

Services will operate on a precise and regular schedule.

"These strategic projects will boost domestic tourism and establish a new regional standard for sustainable, people centred mobility, enhancing community wellbeing and improving quality of life," AlSuwaidi said. 

The Etihad Rail project, Alshehii added, is the "result of three years of intensive planning, design, and delivery, with total working hours reaching 24.5 million and the involvement of more than 7,000 experts and workers".