Etihad Rail Abu Dhabi: Connecting the UAE’s Emirates by Rail

Etihad Rail Abu Dhabi refers to the ambitious national railway project in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that is transforming connectivity across all seven emirates, with a particular focus on the capital, Abu Dhabi. Etihad Rail is the developer and operator of the UAE’s first national rail network, established in 2009 to build and manage a state-of-the-art freight and passenger railway system

This network is a key part of UAE’s strategic development plans – it aligns with Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and UAE Vision 2021 to drive economic diversification and growth. In this comprehensive overview, we’ll explore the evolution of Etihad Rail, its development phases, the role of Abu Dhabi in the network, latest updates as of 2025, and the expected benefits and future plans of this game-changing rail initiative.

Overview of the Etihad Rail Project

Etihad Rail is the UAE’s first national railway network, designed to link key cities, ports, and industrial zones across the country on a unified rail system. The fully completed network will span approximately 1,200 km across the emirates, from the Saudi Arabian border in the west to the eastern coast by the Indian Ocean. Built to international standards, the railway will form an integral part of the planned Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) rail network, eventually connecting the UAE to neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman. The project’s scope and scale make it the largest land transport initiative in the nation’s history, and a cornerstone of future mobility in the region.

Abu Dhabi’s Role: As the capital and largest emirate by area, Abu Dhabi plays a central role in the Etihad Rail network. The railway has been developed with Abu Dhabi’s economic and infrastructural vision in mind. Major industrial areas and logistics hubs in Abu Dhabi are integral to the network – for example, Etihad Rail’s freight lines already link Khalifa Port (a major deep-sea port in Abu Dhabi) and the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) with other emirates. Abu Dhabi’s leadership has championed Etihad Rail as a national unity project: it’s seen as “the largest project to consolidate the strength of the union for the next fifty years,” according to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. By knitting together far-flung regions from Al Sila (on Abu Dhabi’s western border) to Fujairah, Etihad Rail underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to a connected, diversified economy.

Development Phases of Etihad Rail

The Etihad Rail project has been executed in stages over more than a decade. Each phase expanded the network’s reach and capabilities, paving the way for nationwide coverage and future passenger service.

• Stage One (2009–2016) – Freight Operations Begin: After its establishment in 2009, Etihad Rail focused first on freight transport. Stage One involved building a 264 km line in western Abu Dhabi emirate. By 2016, this first route was fully operational, transporting granulated sulfur from the Shah and Habshan gas fields in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa region to the export port of Ruwais on the Gulf coast. This successful freight service proved the railway’s value as a safe, efficient mode of transport, taking heavy truckloads off the highways. Stage One was delivered on time and within budget, operated initially by a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Deutsche Bahn.

• Stage Two (2020–2023) – National Network Expansion: The second phase massively expanded Etihad Rail from a single-route line into a national network. Construction on this 605 km expansion began in early 2020, extending the railway from the Ghuweifat border crossing with Saudi Arabia all the way across the UAE to the port of Fujairah on the east coast. By February 2023, Stage Two was officially inaugurated, bringing the total operational network to about 900 km and linking all seven emirates for freight service. This newly completed network connects major ports and logistics centers: for instance, Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, Port of Fujairah, and industrial hubs like Ruwais and ICAD in Abu Dhabi are now interlinked by rail. With Stage Two, freight trains began running across the country, significantly strengthening supply chains and trade logistics in 2023.

• Passenger Service Phase (2024–2026) – Transition to Passenger Operations: With the freight network in place, Etihad Rail turned toward launching passenger services. Throughout 2024 and 2025, the company prepared stations, rolling stock, and agreements for operating passenger trains. By late 2025, Etihad Rail had received 10 of the 13 state-of-the-art passenger trains, completed safety testing, and announced a full 11-station passenger network to open in phases. The first passenger operations are set to begin in 2026, marking the UAE’s debut of intercity passenger rail. A joint venture with the international rail operator Keolis was established to run the passenger service, including train operations and integrating last-mile connections like buses and taxis. This phase will transform Etihad Rail from a freight-only system into a mixed passenger and freight network, a significant milestone in the UAE’s transport history.

Etihad Rail in Abu Dhabi: Route and Stations

Abu Dhabi, being geographically large, contains a significant portion of the Etihad Rail route. The railway enters the UAE through Al Sila on Abu Dhabi’s western border with Saudi Arabia, traversing the emirate’s vast Al Dhafra region, and then reaches the urban capital area. There are seven passenger stations within Abu Dhabi emirate planned in the initial network, reflecting the emirate’s expanse and importance. These include stops in remote communities and key towns, ensuring even far-flung areas gain connectivity:

• Al Sila: Near the Saudi border in far west Abu Dhabi (the starting point for trains coming from Saudi Arabia).

• Al Dhannah: Serving the Ruwais area (sometimes called Al Ruwais or Al Dhannah, a major oil and industrial hub on the western coast).

• Al Mirfa: A town on the coast of Abu Dhabi’s western region.

• Madinat Zayed: The administrative center of the Al Dhafra region, deep in the desert interior.

• Mezairaa: Near the Liwa Oasis area, which is known for agriculture and desert communities.

• Al Faya: A location in Abu Dhabi’s western region (likely along the main line heading towards the capital).

• Mohamed Bin Zayed City (MBZ City): A major new station on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi city, named after a suburban district. This will be the primary passenger station serving the capital region.

According to recent announcements, these Abu Dhabi stations were “carefully selected within key locations to serve population centres” across the emirate. From MBZ City station in Abu Dhabi, the line continues northeast to Dubai, where the main Dubai station is at Jumeirah Golf Estates, and further on to Sharjah (University City and Al Dhaid stations) and Fujairah (Al Hilal area). In total, 11 stations will span the country once passenger service begins, effectively connecting all major regions from Al Sila (west Abu Dhabi) to Fujairah (east coast).

Map of the Etihad Rail route across the UAE, highlighting key stops. The network stretches from the Saudi border at Al Sila (left/west) through Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Fujairah on the east coast, with plans to extend into Oman.

Notably, Abu Dhabi’s inclusion in the network not only means the capital city area will be served by fast trains, but also that smaller communities in Abu Dhabi’s hinterland gain access to rail connectivity for the first time. This is expected to spur development in those regions and improve mobility for residents in Al Dhafra (western Abu Dhabi). Additionally, Abu Dhabi’s existing freight facilities are fully integrated – for example, the railway already carries freight to and from Khalifa Port and Mussafah (industrial areas of Abu Dhabi) under the freight operations launched in 2023. When passenger trains commence, Abu Dhabi will effectively be a central hub: one could travel from the capital to Dubai in under an hour, or head west to Ruwais and the Saudi border areas by train instead of by road.

Latest Updates and Upcoming Launch (2023–2025)

As of the end of 2025, Etihad Rail has made significant strides towards launching its passenger services. In early 2025, the company initially unveiled four main passenger station locations – in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah – and later in the year it confirmed the additional seven stations to complete the 11-stop network. By October 2025, officials announced that construction of the UAE’s core national railway network was 100% complete, and trial operations were underway. The fleet of modern passenger trains (built by CRRC in China and CAF in Spain) was largely delivered, with 10 out of 13 trains already in the UAE undergoing tests by late 2025. Each train can carry up to 400 passengers and is equipped with the latest systems for safety and comfort.

Importantly, Etihad Rail confirmed that passenger operations will commence in 2026, after all safety certifications and station construction are finalized. Although a precise public launch date was not given as of January 2026, officials indicated that stations will open in phases during 2026. Phase one of service will connect the 11 cities and areas mentioned, enabling inter-city journeys such as Abu Dhabi to Dubai in about 57 minutes and Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in around 1 hour 45 minutes. By comparison, these trips by car can take 1.5 to 2.5 hours, so the train offers substantial time savings. The top speed of the passenger trains is 200 km/h, and travel times are expected to be 30–40% shorter than driving.

Behind the scenes, 2023–2025 also saw key partnerships and agreements to ensure the smooth operation of the new rail service. In 2024, Etihad Rail signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority to integrate fare systems – meaning passengers will be able to use their Nol cards (the payment card used for Dubai Metro and buses) on Etihad Rail for seamless travel. This integration of ticketing underscores how the national rail will complement local transit. For instance, a traveler could hop off an Etihad Rail train in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and transfer to a metro or bus easily – similar to using a unified system as seen on a Dubai Metro Map for urban rail. Additionally, a joint venture with Keolis (a global transit operator) was established to manage Etihad Rail’s passenger service, covering everything from running the trains to coordinating connections like feeder buses and parking at stations.

Benefits and Impact of Etihad Rail

The Etihad Rail network – including its Abu Dhabi segments – is poised to deliver wide-ranging benefits for the UAE’s economy, environment, and society. Some of the key impacts include:

• Faster, Easier Travel: Inter-city train service will dramatically cut travel times. For example, the Abu Dhabi–Dubai journey of about 57 minutes by rail is far quicker than current road travel, making daily commutes or visits between cities more feasible. The trains offer comfortable amenities (Wi-Fi, entertainment, onboard dining and restrooms) and multiple classes (economy, family, first class) for a pleasant journey. This new mode of travel improves mobility for residents and tourists alike, providing a safe and reliable alternative to driving or flying between emirates.

• Economic Growth and Trade: By linking ports, industrial zones, and population centers, Etihad Rail boosts trade and logistics efficiency. Freight trains can haul heavy loads (like petrochemicals, metals, containers) across the country cheaper and more reliably than trucks. The network’s freight capacity is expected to reach 60 million tonnes of goods annually by 2030, vastly increasing UAE’s logistical throughput. Abu Dhabi’s industries (oil & gas, manufacturing, metals) benefit from rail connections to ports (e.g. Khalifa Port) and to markets across the UAE and beyond. Additionally, the rail project itself has spurred job creation – an estimated 9,000 jobs by 2030 in the rail and supporting sectors – and attracted billions in investment (around AED 50 billion for the UAE Railway Programme) in the local economy. The improved connectivity also encourages commerce, tourism, and even real estate development around station areas.

• Environmental Sustainability: Shifting freight and passenger traffic from road to rail has major environmental advantages. Trains are far more fuel-efficient per ton-kilometer than trucks or cars, which helps reduce carbon emissions. Etihad Rail officials project that by 2050 the national rail network will cut UAE’s transport-related CO₂ emissions by 21%, as one freight train can replace 300 trucks on highways. Fewer trucks and cars on long-haul routes mean lower air pollution and less road congestion. The train engines are diesel-powered initially (with potential for future electrification), but even so, the per-passenger emissions are significantly less than equivalent car journeys, supporting the UAE’s sustainability goals and its commitment to combat climate change.

• National Connectivity and Social Impact: The railway strengthens social and cultural ties by making the UAE more connected and accessible. Regions that were previously remote (like the western desert communities in Abu Dhabi) will be linked to major cities by fast trains, helping integrate these areas into the national economy. Tourism is expected to get a boost, as travelers will find it convenient to explore multiple emirates by rail in a single trip. Overall, the passenger network is seen as a “cornerstone of the UAE’s transport system, supporting development and connectivity” across the country. By improving mobility for all residents and offering a modern public transport option, Etihad Rail contributes to a higher quality of life and sets the foundation for a more sustainable, connected future.

Future Outlook: GCC Links and Ongoing Developments

Even as the core UAE network becomes operational, Etihad Rail’s vision extends beyond 2026. One major expansion on the horizon is the UAE-Oman rail link. In 2024, the UAE and Oman launched the Hafeet Al Ain Railway Project, a joint venture to construct a 303 km cross-border line from Abu Dhabi (Al Ain area) to the Omani port of Sohar. This international connection will allow passengers and freight to travel seamlessly between the two countries, and is part of the broader GCC Railway plan to eventually link all Gulf states by rail. For example, once completed, a journey from Abu Dhabi to Oman’s Sohar port could take only about 1 hour 40 minutes by train, greatly facilitating trade and tourism between the nations.

Within the UAE, there are also plans to further integrate Etihad Rail with local urban transport networks. Abu Dhabi has long-term plans for its own metro or light rail system, which could connect to the Etihad Rail station at MBZ City, allowing easy transfer for passengers heading into the city center. In Dubai, the Etihad Rail station at Jumeirah Golf Estates will link with existing public transport; the integration of the Nol payment card means a traveler might use the Dubai Metro (whose routes are famously shown on every Dubai Metro Map) and then hop on an Etihad Rail train using the same card. Future smart mobility initiatives aim to provide door-to-door connectivity – from high-speed trains down to city trams, buses, and even autonomous shuttles – ensuring that the national rail becomes part of a truly integrated transportation ecosystem.

Finally, Etihad Rail is exploring premium services to enhance rail travel experiences. A high-end luxury train service, in partnership with Italy’s Arsenale, is in the works for tourists, promising an Orient Express-style journey across the UAE by 2028 if all goes to plan. The combination of standard passenger services and specialty trains could make the UAE a unique destination for train travel in a region historically dominated by air and road transport.

In summary, Etihad Rail Abu Dhabi and the UAE national railway network represent a historic leap forward in the country’s infrastructure. By 2026, residents and visitors will be able to ride modern trains across the emirates, reaping the benefits of faster travel, safer freight movement, and stronger economic integration. Abu Dhabi stands at the heart of this network – from its deserts and ports to its bustling capital – underscoring the emirate’s leading role in connecting the nation. With continued development, including international links and urban integrations, Etihad Rail is set to drive the UAE’s transport future, fostering growth and unity through rail for decades to come.