ETIHAD Rail has confirmed that it will begin operating scheduled services from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and Fujairah later this year, under the first phase of its programme to introduce passenger services on the national network of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“Over the course of 2026 and beyond, further routes, connections and stations will come online,” Azza Al Suwaidi, deputy chief executive of Etihad Rail Mobility (ERM), told local news outlet The National.
“We are anticipating a lot of demand.”
With the definitive timetable still under development, journey times are expected to be around 1 hour between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and around 1h 30min between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. Trains will operate at up to 200km/h, each carrying up to 400 passengers, with traffic forecast at 10 million passengers a year.
The first three stations will be located in Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai and the Sakamkam neighbourhood in Fujairah, near the Al Hilal City development. Construction has been advancing rapidly over the past 12 months, according to Al Suwaidi.
Under the phased programme, other stations will be opened at Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezairaa and Al Faya in Abu Dhabi, and at University City and Al Dhaid in Sharjah, Etihad Rail has confirmed.
“Station locations have been chosen to complement existing population centres, as well as areas allocated for future development,” Al Suwaidi says.
“Our aspiration is that the network itself will act as a stimulus for further growth.”
Etihad Rail has ordered 13 passenger trains, of which 10 have been delivered so far. CAF is supplying nine seven-car diesel trains and CRRC four five-car trains. Passenger operator ERM is a 50:50 joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis International, formed under an agreement signed last year.
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