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

Etihad Rail has officially confirmed four key passenger stations—in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, forming the backbone of the initial route rollout/ Image: Etihad Rail

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’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:

Etihad Railway Network/ Source: Etihad Rail

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.”

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

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:

Amenities onboard will include:

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:

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:

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