UAE’s Etihad rail to launch in 2026: Station locations, timings, speed and future Oman link explained

Dubai: Etihad Rail has confirmed the launch date for its passenger train service in the UAE, marking a major milestone for transport in the country. Work is ongoing to expand a network that will eventually connect 11 cities across all seven emirates. The new service is expected to significantly reduce travel times, with trains reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h and a high-speed link planned between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Etihad Rail, the company behind the UAE’s national railway network, has confirmed that passenger train services will officially launch in 2026. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the developer announced the start date for what is expected to be a major leap forward in public transport within the country.

The new passenger line is set to significantly improve travel across the UAE by offering a fast, efficient and sustainable mode of transport, connecting major cities and regions.

In 2023, Etihad Rail launched its expanded network covering 900 km, connecting all seven emirates from Ghuweifat on the Abu Dhabi-Saudi Arabia border to Fujairah on the east coast. Freight train operations are now fully operational across the UAE.

The railway network already links key maritime ports and industrial zones, including Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, the Port of Fujairah, Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), Al Ruwais, and Ghuweifat, enhancing logistics and trade capabilities.

In January, Etihad Rail revealed plans for a new high-speed rail project connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Designed to reach speeds of up to 350 km/h, the service will reduce the journey between the two cities to just 30 minutes.

The high-speed line will pass through important destinations and tourist hotspots, offering seamless connections for commuters and visitors. Etihad Rail will oversee the development and operation of this new line.

The route will include six key stations: Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, as well as stations near Al Maktoum International Airport and the Al Jaddaf area in Dubai.

The first passenger station will be constructed in Sakamkam, Fujairah, in the city centre. In March 2024, Etihad Rail announced the second passenger station will be built near University City of Sharjah.

While the exact locations for Abu Dhabi and Dubai stations have not yet been confirmed, it is widely believed that the Dubai station will be located near Jumeirah Golf Estates. The main passenger station is currently under construction next to the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station.

In Abu Dhabi, the station is expected to be along the pipeline corridor separating Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City, between Dalma Mall and Mussafah bus station, adjacent to Phoenix Hospital.

The full Etihad Rail passenger network will cover approximately 1,200 km, connecting 11 cities and regions across all seven emirates. It will stretch from Al Sila in Abu Dhabi’s western region to Fujairah on the east coast.

Key stops along the network will include Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah. Future plans include linking the network with Oman, further expanding regional connectivity.

In 2024, the UAE and Oman announced the Hafeet Rail project to connect the two countries by train. Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala Investment Company signed an agreement to commence construction.

This cross-border railway will span 303 km, linking Sohar in Oman to Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi. It will connect with the UAE National Rail Network, enabling smooth travel and transport between the two nations.

The passenger trains are designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h, cutting commute times by 30 to 40 per cent compared to existing transport options.

Etihad Rail has shared estimated journey durations for key routes once the service is operational:

Each Etihad Rail passenger train will have a capacity of up to 400 passengers and will be equipped with modern amenities. These include Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and a variety of food and beverage options for a comfortable travel experience.

In 2024, it was announced that passengers will be able to use their nol cards when travelling on Etihad Rail. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Etihad Rail signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate ticket booking and fare payment with the nol system.

This collaboration aims to offer a unified, user-friendly payment solution for passengers travelling across the UAE by rail.