Etihad Rail Unveils First Passenger Routes Linking Major UAE Cities

Etihad Rail has announced the first passenger routes of its long-awaited railway network, set to begin operations in 2026. The opening phase will connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah, linking the country’s main commercial centers with the east coast. Trains are expected to operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h, reducing travel time to around one hour between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and about 90 minutes to Fujairah. Officials said the project aims to ease road congestion, enhance intercity mobility, and support tourism and economic activity. The passenger network is designed to serve nearly 10 million travelers annually, offering a faster, safer, and more reliable alternative to road transport.