Etihad Rail has confirmed passenger services to the new Dubai station and Al Dhaid will begin on September 30 2026. The expansion follows the recent launch of scheduled operations between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah and will continue with the Al Dhafra station opening on December 30 2026 before Sharjah joins the network on March 30 2027. These additions will complete the first phase of the national passenger system that links major emirates according to the operator. Strong demand has already been recorded on the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route since reservations opened earlier this year.
A recent trip on the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah service included Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence who was accompanied by Minister of Justice Abdullah Sultan Al Nuaimi. Shadi Malak the CEO of Etihad Rail received the delegation onboard. Sheikh Nahyan inspected operations at both Mohamed bin Zayed City Station and Fujairah Station where he examined smart passenger systems and met Emirati nationals employed on the trains.
Six daily services operate during the introductory phase with guaranteed seating complimentary wireless internet and charging ports at every seat Etihad Rail said. Ample luggage space is provided alongside a Premium Class that delivers higher comfort levels. The operator reported robust booking numbers that reflect positive uptake of the new inter-emirate connection.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan stated “Today we take pride in the operation of passenger trains in the UAE a new national achievement that embodies the vision of our wise leadership in building a modern and integrated transport system that reflects the advanced level that the nation has reached in developing world-class infrastructure. This project is not merely a means of transport but a strategic investment in the future of the UAE. It strengthens connectivity between the emirates elevates the quality of life provides sustainable mobility solutions supports the competitiveness of the national economy and reinforces the UAE’s standing as a global hub for trade investment tourism and logistics.”
The passenger network was announced less than five years ago under the UAE’s Projects of the 50 initiative Etihad Rail noted. The full system stretches more than 1200 kilometres and connects 11 cities from Al Sila to Fujairah according to project specifications. Annual passenger numbers are forecast to reach 36.5 million by 2030 railway planning assessments indicate.
Etihad Rail estimates the overall project will generate 186 billion dirhams in economic benefits over four decades through lower transport costs quicker journey times reduced emissions and added tourism activity. The network is projected to add 3.5 billion dirhams to the economy each year by 2030 while creating more than 9000 positions in operations engineering logistics and maintenance. These outcomes align with broader targets for economic diversification and workforce development the operator has outlined.
Travel times will drop sharply once the Dubai station opens with the Abu Dhabi to Dubai journey cut to 50 minutes and the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah trip set at 100 minutes Etihad Rail said. The railway contributes to the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy by shifting freight and passengers off roads to lower carbon transport. Enhanced connectivity is expected to support commercial growth tourism flows and social links across the emirates according to the company.
