Etihad Rail passenger train service in 2026: Free WiFi, stations, travel time; all you need to know

The UAE's national railway project, Etihad Rail, is set to launch its passenger train service in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country's transportation infrastructure.

This development was revealed during a meeting hosted by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and a delegation from Etihad Rail at Al Dhanna Palace.

The Etihad Rail undertaking is one of the country’s largest transportation projects. And it is on the verge of transforming travel across the UAE through an extensive . Although 2026 is the launch year, the exact start date is yet to be revealed. It is anticipated that, once operational, the service will accommodate around 36.5 million passengers annually by 2023.

What cities will be connected by Etihad Rail?

The railway network will span approximately 1,200km, connecting 11 cities and regions across . Designed to enhance connectivity, and promote sustainable transportation, the project is a significant step forward in the nation's infrastructure development.

Key cities connected by Etihad Rail include:

Abu Dhabi

Dubai

Sharjah

Ras Al Khaimah

Fujairah

Al Ain

Ruwais

Al Mirfa

Al Dhaid

Ghuweifat (bordering Saudi Arabia)

Sohar (Oman, via the Hafeet Rail project)

Etihad Rail passenger train

Where will the Etihad Rail passenger stations be located?

The network extends from Al Sila to Fujairah. Authorities have already announced. The first one will be at Sakamkam in Fujairah, and the second one will be in Sharjah, University City.

Other potential station sites include areas near the Jumeirah Golf Estates metro station in Dubai, and in Abu Dhabi, the station will likely be along the pipeline corridor between Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City, between Dalma Mall and Mussafah bus station, adjacent to Phoenix Hospital.

New high-speed train linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai

However, a new high-speed electrified line connecting Abu Dhabi to Dubai will feature six stations at Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Zayed Airport, close to Al Maktoum Airport in Dubai and Jaddaf, near Dubai Creek. The project will enable seamless connectivity between the two emirates, significantly reducing travel times.

The high-speed train will transport commuters between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes, reaching speeds of up to 350km/h. The route will pass through key strategic destinations and tourist attractions, ensuring seamless travel for passengers and visitors.

Etihad Rail will oversee the development and operation of this project.

Etihad Rail network

Captain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, the first Emirati train captain for Etihad Rail (seated)

Fast and far-reaching

One of the standout features of Etihad Rail's passenger service is its speed. The trains will operate at , reducing travel times for residents. For instance, journeys from . Travel time for passenger trains:

Abu Dhabi to Dubai: approximately 57 minutes

Abu Dhabi to Ruwais: about 70 minutes

Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: around 105 minutes

Dubai to Fujairah: close to 50 minutes

Passengers inside prototype Etihad Rail train

Travel luxury

UAE's passenger trains will have and comfortable grey seats. The rail passenger service flaunts an aerodynamic design, a key feature of high-speed trains.

Each train will accommodate over . Amenities include free Wifi, infotainment systems, charging stations, ample legroom, and advanced air-conditioning.

The coaches, in silver and grey, have different types of seating. Similar to the flight class, the seats are arranged in a 2+2 format across the coaches. Compartments are separated with electric doors, and TV screens display information, such as location and arrival times, in each section of the train.

Scenic routes of UAE passenger train

The train will consist of 15 luxury carriages passing through the cosmopolitan cities, nature destinations of Fujairah, with its mountains bordering Oman, and the Liwa desert, with its world-famous oasis, near Mezeiraa train station. The journey will offer a .

Door-to-door passenger train service

Etihad Rail plans to offer a for passengers, ensuring hassle-free connectivity from the train stations to their final destinations. The railways will be integrated with all modes of transport and shared mobility solutions. There will be public transportation available to a passenger's final destination be it their home, place of work or a tourist spot.

Dubai's Nol card for Etihad Rail tickets

You could use passenger trains once they start chugging across the UAE. The ticketing system will be one of the various ticket booking and fare payment solutions to travel on the pan-UAE railway network.

Global partnership

Etihad Rail has partnered with several international companies to enhance its passenger services. Notably, agreements have been signed with firms such as SNCF International, Alstom, Progress Rail, and Thales Group to develop advanced , real-time passenger flow management, and intelligent traffic operations.

Etihad Rail is more than a new way to get from . It is an investment in the UAE's vision for smart, . By linking cities, easing commutes, and , it’s setting the tone for what modern transport in the region can look like.

ajanta@khaleejtimes.com