Etihad Rail is on the brink of revolutionizing travel in the UAE with its high-tech passenger rail service, set to connect 11 cities and regions from Al Sila to Fujairah.
Imagine speeding through the desert at 200 km/h—traveling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in just 57 minutes, compared to the usual two-hour journey.
The newly announced travel times showcase the service’s efficiency: a trip from Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais will take 70 minutes, while journeys to Fujairah will last 105 minutes. The rail will serve key locations, including Al Mirfa, Sharjah, and Al Dhaid, with Sakamkam in Fujairah and Sharjah’s University City confirmed as initial station sites.
Though a launch date has yet to be announced, once operational, the service will accommodate around 36.5 million passengers annually. Residents got a sneak peek of the sleek passenger trains during a test run between Abu Dhabi and Al Dhannah in January 2024. The trains showcased modern interiors with stylish seating and high-tech amenities.
The ambitious Dh50 billion UAE Railways Programme, initiated in December 2021, aims to create an integrated transport system nationwide. It is projected to generate over 9,000 jobs in the railway sector by 2030. With much of the infrastructure in place and freight services already operational, Etihad Rail’s vision reflects a commitment to connectivity and innovation, symbolized by its new logo inspired by the falcon—representing speed, agility, and determination.
