UAE passenger rail network set for launch

UAE’s national railway operator Etihad Rail has outlined the rollout of the country’s first passenger railway network, marking a significant expansion of the federal transport system that will connect 11 cities and regions through a series of strategically located stations scheduled to become operational this year.

The passenger rail service builds on the national freight network that has been running since 2023 and is positioned as a core pillar of the country’s long-term mobility and logistics strategy. Officials said the system is designed to provide a fast, safe and sustainable alternative to road travel, while strengthening economic integration between major urban centres and outlying regions.

Plans for the UAE’s first passenger rail system were detailed by the operator as part of a broader update on infrastructure readiness, service design and network coverage. Trains are expected to operate at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour, significantly reducing travel times between emirates. Journeys that can take several hours by road are projected to be cut to around 50 minutes on key intercity routes, depending on stops and operational conditions.

The network will link major population and economic hubs including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, alongside other cities and regions that form part of the federal rail corridor. Stations are being developed as multimodal hubs, integrating with existing metro systems, bus services, taxis and future urban transport projects to ensure seamless passenger movement.

Early in 2025, Etihad Rail announced the first four passenger stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, signalling a phased approach to commissioning the service. Work on station infrastructure, track readiness, rolling stock testing and digital systems has been progressing alongside regulatory approvals and operational planning. The operator has indicated that further station locations will be confirmed as the network expands.

Passenger trains will feature modern interiors, including multiple seating classes, onboard Wi-Fi, charging points and accessibility features aimed at accommodating passengers with reduced mobility. Safety systems have been aligned with international railway standards, drawing on experience gained from freight operations that span the length of the country.

The move into passenger services represents a strategic shift for Etihad Rail, which was initially mandated to develop a heavy freight corridor connecting ports, industrial zones and borders. Since freight operations began, the rail line has been used to transport bulk commodities, construction materials and other goods, easing pressure on highways and lowering emissions from long-haul trucking.

Officials have framed the passenger network as complementary to freight, rather than a replacement. Shared infrastructure allows for efficiencies in maintenance, signalling and operations, while separate scheduling ensures that passenger services maintain reliability and speed. Industry analysts note that the integration of freight and passenger rail places the UAE among a small group of countries in the region with a fully national, multi-use railway system.

From an economic perspective, the passenger rail launch is expected to support labour mobility, tourism and regional development. Faster intercity travel could widen commuting options, enable same-day business travel between emirates and boost visitor access to cultural, coastal and mountain destinations. Urban planners have also highlighted the potential for transit-oriented development around stations, encouraging higher-density, mixed-use communities.

Environmental considerations form a central part of the project’s rationale. Rail transport is widely regarded as one of the most energy-efficient modes of mass travel, particularly when compared with private vehicles and short-haul flights. By shifting a portion of intercity journeys from road to rail, authorities aim to cut congestion, improve road safety and reduce carbon emissions in line with national sustainability targets.

The timing of the passenger rollout aligns with broader investments in transport infrastructure across the country, including metro extensions, electric vehicle charging networks and smart traffic systems. Together, these initiatives are intended to future-proof mobility as population growth and economic diversification continue.