Abu Dhabi – Etihad Rail, the UAE’s national railway project, has marked a major milestone as it prepares to launch passenger services in 2026. In a symbolic journey from Dubai to Fujairah, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, was hosted aboard the Etihad Passenger Train. The journey highlighted the nation’s commitment to sustainable transport and regional connectivity.

The Etihad Railway network will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE — from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east — covering a distance that unites the country from coast to coast. Trains are designed to run at speeds of up to 200 km/h, offering a fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to road transport.

Once operational, the passenger railway is expected to transport 36 million people annually by 2030, marking a transformative shift in public transport across the UAE. The initiative supports the UAE’s broader sustainability goals and vision for long-term infrastructure development.

Expressing his pride in the project, Sheikh Mohammed stated:

“We are proud of our national projects, proud of the Etihad Trains team led by Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed, and proud of a country that never stops working — adding a new brick to its future every day.”

This monumental project reflects the UAE’s vision of building an integrated, world-class railway network that connects cities, supports economic growth, and promotes low-carbon mobility for future generations.