- Etihad Rail Map
- UAE Etihad Rail Passenger Train
- Etihad Rail Freight Network
- Cross-Border Connectivity
- Economic Impact
- FAQs
The UAE Etihad Rail project is the country’s flagship railway initiative, designed to create a unified national rail system for both freight and passenger transport. Once fully operational, it will form the backbone of the UAE passenger rail network, while also serving as a critical logistics corridor linked to the wider GCC railway plan.
Overview of the UAE Etihad Rail Project
Established under Federal Law No. 2, Etihad Rail is the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway. The network is being rolled out in multiple phases, combining heavy-haul freight operations with high-speed passenger rail to support economic diversification, logistics efficiency and intercity mobility.
Etihad Rail Map and National Network
The Etihad Rail map spans approximately 900 km in its current configuration, with long-term expansion plans extending the network to 1,200 km.
Etihad Rail Route
The Etihad Rail route stretches from Ghuwaifat, on the UAE–Saudi Arabia border, to Fujairah on the eastern coast. It links all seven emirates, establishing comprehensive Etihad Rail connectivity in the UAE.
Spread across the country like the UAE’s major highways, the key features of the national network include:
- Nationwide coverage across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah
- Direct access to major industrial, logistics and trade hubs
- Integration into the planned GCC railway network for regional rail transport
Major Hubs Connected
The network connects critical economic nodes, including:
- Ports: Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi), Jebel Ali Port (Dubai) and Port of Fujairah
- Industrial zones: Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), Ruways and Ghuwaifat
UAE Etihad Rail Passenger Train Services
The UAE Etihad Rail passenger train system is scheduled to officially launch in 2026, marking the start of intercity train travel in the UAE.
Network Scale and Coverage
The Etihad Rail passenger service in the UAE will initially connect 11 cities and regions through 11 strategically located stations, supporting fast and reliable intercity movement.
Etihad Rail Stations in the UAE
The 11 recently announced and planned passenger stations include:
- Abu Dhabi: – Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Al Sila’, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a and Al Faya
- Dubai: Jumeirah Golf Estates (interchange with the Dubai Metro Red Line)
- Sharjah: University City
- Fujairah: Al Hilal (Sakamkam)
- Other locations: Al Dhaid
Passenger Train Specifications
- Capacity: Up to 400 passengers per train
- Speed: Up to 200 km/h
- Fleet status: 10 out of 13 passenger trains delivered and tested as of January 2026
- Amenities: Ergonomic seating, Wi-Fi, individual power outlets and modern interior design
These features position Etihad Rail train services in the UAE as a competitive alternative to road travel and short-haul flights.
Freight Operations
Freight services form the foundation of Etihad Rail’s operations and have been active since February 2023.
Freight Network and Capacity
- Initial operations began in 2016 with a 264 km line transporting granulated sulphur from Shah and Habshan to Ruways
- Target capacity of 60 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2030
Types of Cargo Transported
The freight network supports a wide range of goods, including:
- Aggregates and construction materials
- Containers and general cargo
- Ceramics and polymers
- Sugar, metals and waste
- Food, beverages and agricultural products such as hay
Freight Equipment and Logistics
Specialised rolling stock includes:
- Standardised intermodal steel containers
- Flat-bed wagons and rail gondolas
- ‘Kwik-drop’ hopper wagons for bulk materials
- Temperature-controlled carriages for perishable goods
RailDirect, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and DHL, provides integrated cross-border freight and logistics solutions.
Cross-Border Connectivity: Hafeet Rail
Hafeet Rail is a cross-border railway project linking the UAE and Oman.
Project Structure
- Joint venture between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment Company
- Phase 1 route length of 238 km
- Connects Sohar Port in Oman to the UAE national network via Al Ain
Infrastructure Details
- 2.5 km of tunnels
- 36 viaducts, 21 over-bridges and 39 under-passes
- European Train Control System (ETCS Level 2) for signalling and operations
The project will link five major ports and 15 integrated freight facilities across both countries.
Sustainability and Economic Impact of Etihad Rail
The UAE Etihad Rail project is designed to deliver measurable environmental and economic benefits.
- Environmental impact: One freight train can replace up to 300 trucks, significantly reducing road congestion and carbon emissions
- Operational efficiency: Rail offers faster, more reliable and cost-effective transport for both passengers and cargo
- Social benefits: Passenger services support domestic tourism and national integration, with station and train designs reflecting an Emirati identity
FAQs
When will Etihad Rail passenger services start operating?
Etihad Rail passenger services are scheduled to officially begin operations in 2026.
Which cities will be connected by Etihad Rail?
Etihad Rail will connect major cities and regions across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah and Al Dhaid, linking 11 locations nationwide.
Where are the Etihad Rail passenger stations located?
Passenger stations will be located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Al Sila’, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a, Al Faya, Jumeirah Golf Estates (Dubai), University City (Sharjah), Al Hilal (Fujairah) and Al Dhaid.
How fast will Etihad Rail passenger trains be?
Etihad Rail passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h.
These are among the many key FAQs about the UAE Etihad Rail project, answers to which detail the project’s network and scope.
With the launch of passenger services, the UAE Etihad Rail project is shaping the future of intercity train travel in the UAE. By combining high-speed passenger rail with a mature freight network, it marks a major shift in how people and goods move across the country.
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