(UAE) Etihad Rail’s passenger train service will launch in 2026, connecting major cities across the UAE and promising to change how people travel between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. This new network aims to make journeys faster, easier, and more comfortable, with the first phase set to open on schedule, as confirmed in August 2025.
The Etihad Rail project is one of the most important transport developments in the UAE’s history. The passenger train service will link 11 cities and regions, with plans to expand further, including a future connection to Oman. The main goal is to cut travel times, reduce road congestion, and support the country’s economic and environmental goals.
Key Details About the Etihad Rail Passenger Train Service
- 🚄 Launch Date: The passenger train service is set to begin in 2026.
- 📍 Major Stations: The first phase will connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. The Fujairah station is in Sakamkam, making it easy for travelers to reach the east coast’s tourist spots.
- ⏱️ Travel Times: The train will take less than 60 minutes to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and about 105 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah. This is much faster than driving, saving travelers up to an hour on some routes.
- 🚆 Train Features: The trains will run at speeds up to 200 km/h. Stations will be modern, with easy connections to metro, bus, and taxi services.
- 👥 Passenger Numbers: By 2030, the network expects to carry 36 million passengers each year.
Recent Developments and Announcements
In 2024, construction began on the Hafeet Rail, which will connect Sohar in Oman to Abu Dhabi. This $2.5 billion project is a joint effort between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala. The new link will help people and goods move more easily between the two countries, making the region more connected.
In February 2025, Etihad Rail signed an agreement with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to make ticketing simple. Passengers will be able to use Dubai’s nol card, a popular payment card for public transport, to pay for train tickets. This move will make it easier for everyone to use the new service.
Etihad Rail also revealed a new corporate identity in October 2024, showing its bigger vision and plans for the future.
Who Is Involved?
- 🏗️ Etihad Rail: The main developer and operator, led by Chairman Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and CEO Shadi Malak.
- 🤝 Hafeet Rail: The joint venture for the Oman–UAE link, with Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala as main partners.
- 💳 RTA (Dubai): Responsible for ticketing and payment systems.
- 🚢 ASYAD Group (Oman): A key partner in the Oman–UAE rail project.
How Will the Etihad Rail Passenger Train Service Affect Daily Life?
The new train service will give people a fast, reliable, and eco-friendly way to travel. It will help commuters, tourists, and business travelers move between cities without the stress of traffic jams. The east coast, especially Fujairah, is expected to see more tourists, with hotels planning shuttle services from the station to popular destinations.
The network will also help the UAE’s economy by making it easier to trade and do business. The Oman connection will open up new trade routes through Sohar Port, making the UAE and Oman more competitive in the region.
Switching from road to rail will help the environment by cutting down on car and truck emissions. This supports the UAE’s goals to fight climate change and build a greener future.
What Can Passengers Expect in 2026?
- ✅ Booking Tickets: Passengers will be able to buy tickets through easy-to-use platforms, including the Dubai nol card and other digital options.
- ✅ Modern Stations: Stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah will have modern facilities, easy access for people with disabilities, and connections to other types of transport.
- ✅ Comfortable Trains: The trains will be air-conditioned, with comfortable seats and spaces for both daily commuters and tourists.
- ✅ Quick Journeys: High-speed trains will connect city centers, making travel much faster than by car.
| Country/Type | Visa Category | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | less than 60 minutes | less than 60 minutes |
| N/A | about 105 minutes | about 105 minutes |
| N/A | 2024 | 2024 |
| N/A | February 2025 | February 2025 |
| N/A | 2026 | 2026 |
Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Expansion
Etihad Rail plans to expand the passenger train service to more cities and fully open the Oman–UAE corridor. There are also talks about joining the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) rail network, which would connect even more countries in the region.
Freight services are already running, with 38 locomotives and over 1,000 wagons moving goods across the country. The main freight terminal is in Al Ruways Industrial City, helping to support trade and industry.
Etihad Rail is also working with rail operators in Africa and Europe to share knowledge and help develop rail systems in other regions.
Expert Opinions and Community Impact
Tourism and hospitality leaders believe the new train service will bring more visitors to the east coast and boost the UAE’s tourism industry. Logistics and trade experts say the Oman–UAE rail link will make the region stronger and more competitive. Government officials highlight that the project fits perfectly with the UAE’s plans for growth and sustainability.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
The UAE National Rail Network started with freight services in 2023. The passenger train service is the next big step, part of the country’s “Projects of the 50” initiative, which aims to build a better future for everyone in the UAE. The Oman–UAE rail link, called Hafeet Rail, began construction in 2024 after securing funding.
Summary of Key Facts (as of August 2025):
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Passenger launch | 2026 |
| Major stations | Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah |
| Travel time | Dubai–Abu Dhabi under 60 minutes; Abu Dhabi–Fujairah 105 minutes |
| Network reach | 11 cities and regions; 36 million passengers per year by 2030 |
| Oman–UAE link | Construction underway, $2.5 billion investment |
| Ticketing | Integrated with Dubai RTA, digital solutions planned |
| Sustainability | Big reduction in road congestion and emissions |
Practical Tips for Travelers
- 📋 Plan Ahead: Check the Etihad Rail official website for updates on routes, schedules, and ticket sales.
- 💳 Use Digital Payments: Get a Dubai nol card for easy ticketing and access to other public transport.
- 🗺️ Explore New Destinations: Take advantage of the fast connections to visit new cities and tourist spots across the UAE.
- 🔔 Stay Informed: Watch for news about future expansions, especially the Oman connection.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Etihad Rail passenger train service is set to change travel in the UAE, making it faster, greener, and more connected. For more details and the latest updates, visit the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure or the Etihad Rail website. This new era of rail travel will bring lasting benefits for residents, visitors, and the entire region.
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