Etihad Rail passenger rail network set for 2026 launch

Etihad Rail passenger rail network plans are edging closer to rollout, with the first commercial passenger services slated for 2026, according to Etihad Rail. The United Arab Emirates is set to gain its first integrated national passenger rail network as Etihad Rail broadens its footprint in transport infrastructure.

In the first phase, the UAE national passenger rail network is set to connect 11 cities and regions via strategically located stations, offering residents, citizens and visitors a safe and reliable alternative for travel between the Emirates.

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Etihad Rail named the first four stations in early 2025—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah—and has since outlined the rest of the planned stops, with openings to follow in phases. The additional stations are planned for Al Sila’, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a, Al Faya and Al Dhaid, completing the nationwide passenger network, as reported by Railway Pro.

Azza AlSuwaidi, deputy director of mobility at Etihad Rail, said the move into passenger operations reflects the Emirates’ leadership vision of an integrated transport ecosystem that supports economic and social development. She noted that the passenger programme builds on experience from freight rail services active since 2023 and on collaboration with national and international partners. Etihad Rail adds that it has equipped the network with state-of-the-art rolling stock and advanced technologies aimed at high standards of safety, reliability and service quality.

The trains are being positioned as a modern, congestion-free travel option. Etihad Rail lists ergonomic and safe seats, contemporary interior design, Wi-Fi throughout the journey and individual power sockets for each seat among the onboard features. Services will operate to a regular, precise schedule, providing an efficient alternative to road transport and helping to reduce traffic congestion between major cities.

Project Director Mohammed Alshehii confirmed that commercial passenger services will launch in 2026. In the first phase, the Etihad Rail passenger rail network will connect 11 strategically selected cities and key areas, including Mohammed Bin Zayed City (Abu Dhabi), Jumeirah Golf Estates (Dubai), University City (Sharjah) and the Al Hilal area (Fujairah).

On fleet readiness, Etihad Rail says 10 of the 13 trains have already been delivered, tested and certified to the highest international safety and quality standards. Each train will be able to carry up to 400 passengers and will run with modern systems integrated into the wider transport network, so that stations are linked with other modes of transport.

Etihad Rail describes the programme as a large-scale national project delivered over three years of planning, design and implementation. It totals 24.5 million hours of work and involves more than 7,000 specialists and workers. Beyond mobility, the UAE passenger rail network is expected to stimulate domestic tourism, reduce emissions, strengthen social and economic ties between the Emirates, and improve accessibility and quality of life—an outlook also noted in earlier coverage by Railway Supply.

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