Programme

Etihad Rail — National Passenger Network

United Arab EmiratesRailway, Rail InfrastructureReviewed 11 September 2026

Passenger-service layer of the UAE national railway (freight network already operational since 2016/2023). Passenger service launched 30 June 2026 (first stage: Abu Dhabi-Fujairah, 1h45m) — an achieved, confirmed milestone. Two further phased openings were publicly scheduled as of the source material (30 Sept 2026: Dubai + Sharjah stations; 30 Dec 2026: Al Dhafra region stations) — both remain forecast relative to the research cutoff and are tracked in the monitoring registry, not recorded as achieved. Operator: Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a JV between Etihad Rail (parent) and Keolis.

Status

ImplementationStatus
Major Contracts Under DeliveryProcurement Status

Scale & Capacity

~900 kmNetwork length (eventual)
13 passenger trains (up to 400 passengers each)Fleet

Overview

Location
Federal — Ghuwaifat to Fujairah, all seven emirates

Project Developments

  • Project · 30 June 2026Etihad Rail launches UAE's first national passenger rail service

    Etihad Rail launched the first stage of the UAE's national passenger rail service (Abu Dhabi-Fujairah, 1h45m journey time), the achieved first milestone of a phased rollout. Two further stages (Dubai/Sharjah; Al Dhafra) remain forecast for later in 2026.

Participants & Roles

Sponsor / Developer

Operator

Sources
  • Etihad Rail official announcement (passenger launch)Official / Government
  • Global Railway Review / The NationalIndustry / Trade Source