Etihad Rail reveals first passenger routes linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah
Back To Main Page: Daily News, UAE News
Following the announcement of four main stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, Etihad Rail has now revealed additional stations across key locations, to be commissioned in phases.
Etihad Rail has confirmed the first routes on its long-awaited passenger network. It said the opening phase will connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah, creating a spine that links the country’s main commercial centres with the east coast. Passenger services are expected to begin in 2026, with further routes and stations to follow.
“I am able to now reveal the initial routes which will launch in 2026,” Azza Al Suwaidi, deputy chief executive of Etihad Rail Mobility, told The National. “Initially, trains will operate between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, our twin centres of commerce, as well as connect with Fujairah in the east. From that spine, and over the course of 2026 and beyond, further routes, connections and stations will come online. We are anticipating big demand.”
Faster intercity travel
Journey times are expected to be about an hour between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and around 90 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, with final timetables still being developed. Trains will travel at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour and carry as many as 400 passengers.
The Abu Dhabi to Dubai route will run frequent services, reflecting rising commuter traffic and business travel between the two emirates. The link to Fujairah is designed to support tourism and improve access to the east coast, offering an alternative to increasingly congested roads.
Population growth across the UAE and heavier use of the highway network were key factors behind the choice of the first routes, according to Etihad Rail. Station locations were selected based on population density, travel demand and inter-emirate connectivity.
The first three stations will be located in Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai and Fujairah’s Sakamkam neighbourhood near the Al Hilal City development.
