Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the United Arab Emirates’ national railway network, confirmed it is on course to begin passenger transport services by 2026, in line with the UAE’s vision for an integrated, safe, and efficient rail system, state news agency WAM reported.

Azza Alsuwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, said the project will connect 11 cities and regions across the country — from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east — via Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ruwais, and Al Dhaid.

She emphasised that the service will combine comfort, reliability, and affordability, supported by a “digital tickets first” system and fully segregated tracks to enhance safety.

Travel times are set to dramatically improve, with journeys taking 57 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, 70 minutes to Ruwais, and 105 minutes to Fujairah.

Each train will accommodate up to 400 passengers, offering multiple daily trips with dedicated spaces for work, reading, and relaxation.

Alsuwaidi stressed that station planning is central to building an accessible network, supported by integrated first- and last-mile solutions in cooperation with local transport providers, municipalities, and technology platforms.

She also highlighted plans for a high-speed rail line linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai at speeds of up to 350 km/h, cutting travel between the two cities to just 30 minutes.

The project is expected to contribute around AED145 billion to the UAE’s GDP over the next 50 years, reinforcing the country’s position in the next-generation railway sector.