UAE: Etihad Rail’s Passenger Services To Be Launched In 2026 & Here’s What We Know So Far!

The UAE has been waiting for the completion of its most ambitious transport project. You guessed it right, it’s the Etihad Rail. The 1,200 km rail network just got an update. Finally, the passenger service dates are announced, and you can travel starting in 2026.

Etihad Rail Passenger Service Eyes 2026 Launch

We’re honoured to have been hosted by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, where H.H. Sheikh Hamdan received a delegation from Etihad Rail at Al Dhanna Palace, led by H.E. Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail.

During the meeting, we… pic.twitter.com/wnWGj800hL

— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) May 9, 2025

Etihad Rail, the UAE’s most ambitious transport project yet, just inched closer to reality. In a key May meeting, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, met with Etihad Rail CEO HE Shadi Malak. The highlight? A passenger train launch set for 2026. But hold onto your tickets, while excitement is building, the full network won’t chug into full swing until around 2030.

Now, that might sound like a long wait, but when you’re laying tracks across seven emirates and beyond, patience is part of the journey. Delays could happen—it’s a megaproject after all. But updates are coming thick and fast, and we’re here for every new signal.

From Fujairah to Al Sila: Here’s What’s Coming

So, what’s the big deal about this train? Everything.

Etihad Rail will link 11 cities across the UAE, from Fujairah to Al Sila on the Saudi border. It’s not just steel on wheels; it’s a game-changer for everyday travel. Commuters, tourists, and weekend warriors alike are going to love this:

1. Abu Dhabi to Dubai in just 50 minutes
2. Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in 100 minutes
3. Dubai to Fujairah in 50 minutes
4. Abu Dhabi to Ruwais in 70 minutes

Think of it as the UAE’s version of a cross-emirate bullet train, fast, efficient, and built for the future.

And no, it’s not called Sanpiercer, but we’re not judging if you want to nickname it.

Also Read: A New Signal-Controlled Flyover To Improve Traffic & Etihad Rail Movement In Dubai

This Track Goes International

But wait, there’s more. The Etihad Rail dream doesn’t end at the UAE’s borders.

In February 2023, Etihad Rail and Oman Rail signed a deal, teaming up with Mubadala to build a 303km rail link between Sohar in Oman and Abu Dhabi. Travel time? A breezy 100 minutes. This isn’t just tourism, it’s serious regional connectivity, with lines also planned to stretch out toward Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Even more recently, the UAE inked a deal with Jordan to build a 360km rail network, hinting at a future where you could ride the rails across multiple GCC nations without ever setting foot in an airport queue.

So, pack light, keep your ears open for announcements, and prepare for a railway renaissance like no other.

Cover Image Courtesy: Etihad Rail/Website