Etihad Rail on track: Inside the UAE’s passenger rail revolution
11 cities to be connected as services set for 2026 launch
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Designed to connect 11 cities and regions, the network will link communities across the Emirates through strategically located stations, creating the nation’s first fully integrated passenger rail system.
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The project aims to deliver safe, reliable and efficient travel for residents, citizens and tourists alike.
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Following the announcement of four main stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, Etihad Rail has now revealed additional stations across key locations, to be commissioned in phases.
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A glimpse into the future – Etihad Rail’s sleek new passenger train promises to connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi in under 57 minutes by 2026.
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Modern mobility on track – The cutting-edge design of Etihad Rail’s passenger trains reflects the UAE’s commitment to innovation and sustainable transport.
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Engineering progress – Etihad Rail is not just laying tracks—it’s laying the groundwork for the creation of more than 9,000 new jobs by 2030 across the UAE as part of a larger project. That includes opportunities in engineering, construction, train operations, logistics, and maintenance.
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Speed Meets Sustainability – With top speeds of 200 km/hr, the trains aim to cut travel time and carbon emissions alike.
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Connecting communities- Designed to connect 11 cities and regions, the network will link communities across the Emirates through strategically located stations, creating the nation’s first fully integrated passenger rail system.
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Built for comfort and speed – Inside the train, passengers will enjoy modern, spacious interiors designed for convenience and efficiency.
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A sustainable shift – Etihad Rail supports the UAE’s vision of a greener future by reducing reliance on road travel.
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From vision to reality – The Etihad Rail project is a key part of the UAE’s long-term strategy for enhancing national infrastructure.
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Riding into 2026 – When launched, the rail service will redefine daily commuting, boost tourism, and power the UAE’s economic growth.
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Devadasan K PChief Visual Editor
Devadasan K P is the Chief Visual Editor at Gulf News, bringing more than 26 years of experience in photojournalism to the role. He leads the Visual desk with precision, speed, and a strong editorial instinct.
Whether he’s selecting images of royalty, chasing the biggest celebrity moments in Dubai, or covering live events himself, Devadasan is always a few steps ahead of the action.
Over the years, he has covered a wide range of major assignments — including the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, feature reportage from Afghanistan, the IMF World Bank meetings, and wildlife series from Kenya.
His work has been widely recognised with industry accolades, including the Minolta Photojournalist of the Year award in 2005, the Best Picture Award at the Dubai Shopping Festival in 2008, and a Silver Award from the Society for News Design in 2011.
He handles the newsroom pressure with a calm attitude, a quick response time, and his signature brand of good-natured Malayali humour. There's no fuss — just someone who gets the job done very well, every single time.
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