Etihad Rail to Launch UAE Passenger Train in 2026

The UAE has taken the next important step in remaking its transportation by confirming that Etihad Rail’s passenger trains will start operating in 2026. The new high-speed railway will make it possible for anyone to travel between major cities in the UAE in minutes.

Thanks to a recent announcement from Etihad Rail, the new passenger train will cut the travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai from one hour and 30 minutes to a much faster 30 minutes. When finished, it is predicted that the railway will add AED145 billion (USD 39.5 billion) in value to the UAE’s economy during the next 50 years.

On its X account (the new name for Twitter), Etihad Rail shared updates about a meeting with His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region. Etihad Rail CEO H.E. Shadi Malak and other members of the company briefed His Highness about the latest changes to the national railway network at a meeting held at Al Dhanna Palace.

According to Etihad Rail, the development reflects the Sheikh’s ongoing commitment to growing the UAE’s infrastructure.

Connecting urban areas and protecting the environment are parts of why the Etihad Rail network exists. All things considered, the new railway will one day link eleven cities and regions in the UAE, one of which is Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Al Ain.

The announcement by Etihad Rail is a key step towards providing the Emirates with new, environmentally friendly types of transportation.