Etihad Rail's passenger service is moving steadily from construction toward full operation, promising a new way to travel within the UAE and into Oman. With 11 cities connected, journey times cut by roughly a third compared to driving, and a launch targeted for 2026, the network is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the region's history. Here is everything confirmed so far.
Route Map and Destinations
The Etihad Rail passenger network will link 11 cities and regions across the UAE, running from Al Sila in the far west to Fujairah on the east coast. Major stops include Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Al Dhaid.
Travel times at the train's top speed of 200 km/h will be dramatically shorter than driving:
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai: 57 minutes - Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais: 70 minutes - Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: 105 minutes - Dubai to Fujairah: approximately 50 minutes
The network will also extend across the border into Oman, with the Hafeet Rail cross-border project linking Abu Dhabi and Sohar Port.
Stations and First Passenger Stop
The first passenger stations to open will be Mohamed bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estate station in Dubai, and Fujairah station. The first new-build passenger station constructed is located in Sakamkam, Fujairah.
Remaining stations at Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira'a, Al Faya, and Al Dhaid will become operational in subsequent phases.
Train Specs and Classes
The trains are manufactured by Spain's CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) to European standards. Each train accommodates over 400 passengers across three service classes — first class, business class, and economy — and operates at a maximum speed of 200 km/h. Ten of the 13 ordered trains had already arrived in the UAE as of early 2025.
Travel Times to Oman
The cross-border Hafeet Rail connection will make travel between the UAE and Oman faster than ever:
- Abu Dhabi to Sohar: 1 hour 40 minutes - Al Ain to Sohar: 47 minutes
On-Board Amenities and Services
Etihad Rail has partnered with Italian luxury hospitality company Arsenale — known for the Orient Express revival — to lead the passenger experience design. Passengers can expect infotainment systems, charging points, food and beverage service, and generous legroom. Trains will feature controlled air conditioning along with high levels of security and operational reliability.
Sustainability and Freight
The national rail network is projected to cut CO2 emissions from rail transport by 21% by 2050. Each passenger train effectively replaces around 300 trucks on UAE roads, reducing both emissions and traffic congestion.
On the freight side, the network already operates 38 locomotives and more than 1,000 wagons. A new freight terminal at Al Ruwais Industrial City will further strengthen logistics capacity across the emirate.
