Etihad Rail reveals first passenger route details: 2026 launch, scenic journeys, and city connections

The UAE’s ambitious 900-kilometre Etihad Rail project has taken a major step forward with the unveiling of a detailed network map during the Global Rail conference in Abu Dhabi . While the full station list remains under wraps, key elements have been disclosed—offering a glimpse into what will be the country’s first national passenger rail service. With scenic routes across deserts and mountains, top-tier amenities, and smart connectivity, Etihad Rail promises a transformative commuting experience once launched in 2026.

Etihad Rail route map: Key stops and scenic highlights

Etihad Rail’s passenger network will span 900 km across the UAE, weaving through dramatic natural landscapes and key urban centres. The updated map, presented at the Global Rail conference in Abu Dhabi, confirmed that the route will connect major cities via passenger stations, freight terminals, and operational depots.

While the complete station list has not yet been officially disclosed, four initial stations have been confirmed: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. Construction is actively underway at these locations, with test trains already observed on sections of the track over the past year.

In addition to these primary hubs, several potential station locations were also highlighted on the exhibition map. These include:

• Sila
  
• Mirfa
  
• Madinat Zayed (all in the Al Dhafra Region)
  
• Al Dhaid (in the central part of the UAE)
  
• Sakamkam in Fujairah
  
• Near University City in Sharjah
  
• Close to Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai
  

The route is expected to offer passengers breathtaking views across some of the UAE’s most iconic terrains, including the golden dunes of Abu Dhabi, the Al Maha Forest , and the rugged Hajar Mountains in Fujairah.

“It was a very proud moment riding the train in the UAE,” said Azza Al Suwaidi , Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, in a quote to Khaleej Times. “There’s a lot of nice scenery of the dunes and the desert. Also, when you go to Fujairah, there is a path that runs through the Hajar Mountains. So, it’s a very lovely experience.”

Etihad Rail travel times and city connections

Once operational, Etihad Rail aims to deliver time-efficient alternatives to road travel. Journey durations between major cities have already been shared:

• Abu Dhabi to Dubai:
  
  
  • High-speed service: 30 minutes
    
  • Standard service: 57 minutes
    
    
• Abu Dhabi to Ruwais: 1 hour 10 minutes
  
• Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: 1 hour 45 minutes
  
• Abu Dhabi to Sohar (Oman): 1 hour 40 minutes
  
• Al Ain to Sohar: 47 minutes
  
  

These journey times highlight how Etihad Rail is set to transform not just travel within the UAE, but also how the country connects with its neighbours. A major part of that vision is the Hafeet Rail , also known as the UAE-Oman Rail, a 238-kilometre cross-border link that will connect Sohar Port in Oman to Abu Dhabi. Announced in May 2024, the project is already well underway, with construction nearing the halfway mark, reportedly 50 to 70 per cent complete. Once operational, it will significantly boost both passenger and freight movement between the two countries.

Trains on this route, as well as across the wider Etihad Rail network, are designed to travel at comfortable cruising speeds of up to 200 km/h, delivering a balance of speed, comfort, and panoramic views along the way.
Train features and onboard amenities
Designed by CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles), a Spanish rolling stock manufacturer, Etihad Rail’s passenger trains are built to meet stringent European standards. The trains will accommodate over 400 passengers, distributed across three travel classes: First Class, Business Class, and Economy.

Each class is designed to cater to specific traveler needs:

• First Class: One business carriage will house 16 seats, offering luxury seating and service.
  
• Economy Class: Each economy carriage will have 56 seats, prioritizing space and comfort.
  
  

Amenities onboard will include:

• Advanced air-conditioning systems adapted for the desert climate
  
• Infotainment systems for entertainment during journeys
  
• Charging ports for electronic devices
  
• Food and beverage offerings
  
• Dedicated zones for working, reading, and relaxing
  
• Spacious legroom and enhanced security features
  
  

Highlights of the historic moment witnessed by the UAE, with Etihad Rail’s inauguration of the UAE’s future high-speed train connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This milestone lays the foundation for an advanced infrastructure that embraces the future and fulfills the aspirations of… pic.twitter.com/6Hxrw2T4rB

— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) January 28, 2025

Etihad Rail has also partnered with Italian luxury hospitality brand Arsenale to lead the development of a luxury train experience, inspired by the elegance of the Orient Express . Though prototype videos of the interiors have been teased online, officials stress that final configurations may still change before the official launch.

Also read: First glimpse of 200 km/h Etihad Rail passenger trains unveiled

Stations and services: A holistic passenger experience
Each station along the Etihad Rail network is being designed to provide a seamless, pleasant pre-boarding experience. Planned features include:

• Retail outlets
  
• Business-class lounges
• Family-friendly facilities
  
  

As for ticketing, pricing has not yet been announced. However, it was confirmed in February 2024 that Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is the official ticketing and fare payment partner. This opens the possibility of using Dubai’s Nol card as a mode of payment for Etihad Rail journeys.

Project status and what’s next

Established in 2009, Etihad Rail initially focused on freight operations. The freight network was anounced as fully operational in 2023, with 38 locomotives and over 1,000 wagons already transporting various goods across the country. These operations are helping reduce heavy truck traffic on UAE roads and increasing logistical efficiency.

Now, with the passenger network on the horizon, the focus has shifted to delivering a sustainable, well-connected public transport system that supports the UAE’s wider infrastructure ambitions. Etihad Rail is being developed to integrate smoothly with each city’s metro lines, feeder buses , and local transit networks, ensuring comprehensive last-mile connectivity and a unified travel experience across the country.

The passenger rail service is set to launch in 2026, and will eventually connect 11 cities and regions, including:

• Al Sila
  
• Al Ruwais
  
• Al Mirfa
  
• Abu Dhabi
  
• Dubai
  
• Sharjah
  
• Al Dhaid
  
• Fujairah
  
• Madinat Zayed
  
• Al Ain
  
• Sohar (Oman)
  
  

However, Etihad Rail officials have clarified that not all stations may be available on day one, and the exact rollout schedule remains under wraps.