Etihad Rail nears passenger launch

Etihad Rail has moved into the final stage of preparations for the launch of passenger services later this year, marking a decisive shift in the UAE’s long-running plan to build a national rail system linking major cities, ports, industrial centres and residential hubs.

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, reviewed progress on the company’s freight and passenger operations during a meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi with Chief Executive Shadi Malak, senior leaders and employees. The review covered the company’s operational readiness, the expansion of its logistics services ecosystem and its strategic plans for the coming years.

The passenger service is scheduled to begin operations in phases in 2026, with initial routes forming the backbone of a wider national network. The project is intended to strengthen connectivity across the emirates, reduce dependence on road transport and support the UAE’s wider sustainable mobility agenda. Once fully developed, the passenger network is expected to connect 11 cities and areas through stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a, Al Faya and Al Dhaid.

The company’s passenger fleet will consist of 13 trains designed to international standards, with each train expected to carry up to 400 passengers. The trains are being prepared with modern interiors, Wi-Fi, power outlets and onboard facilities intended to position rail as a practical alternative for intercity travel. Ten trains have already arrived for testing and certification, forming a key part of the readiness programme ahead of commercial operations.

Etihad Rail’s passenger plans build on the completion of the 900km national railway network, which stretches from Ghuwaifat on the border with Saudi Arabia to Fujairah on the east coast. The network links all seven emirates and connects industrial zones, ports, logistics centres and population hubs, giving the UAE a rail corridor designed for both freight and passenger traffic.

Freight operations remain central to the company’s current performance. The network began nationwide freight services in 2023 after earlier operations on the Shah-Habshan-Ruwais route, which transported granulated sulphur to export facilities at Ruwais. Freight volumes have grown strongly, with more than 6.5 million tonnes of sulphur, over 10 million tonnes of aggregates and 148,000 containers transported in 2025. The shift of bulk cargo and containers to rail has also removed more than 500,000 truck journeys in Al Dhafra, easing pressure on roads and improving transport efficiency.

During the meeting, Sheikh Theyab also reviewed the work of the Public Policy Integration for Truck and Rail Committee, led by Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs. The committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Etihad Rail and Abu Dhabi Police. Eleven initiatives are being advanced to improve integration between road freight and rail operations, with four already implemented.

The passenger rail rollout comes as the UAE seeks to deepen integration between residential, commercial and industrial centres. Rail is expected to cut journey times on key routes, support domestic tourism and provide a more predictable alternative to road travel, particularly as urban growth places heavier demands on highways between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and the northern emirates.

Etihad Rail is also working on wider regional connectivity. Hafeet Rail, the planned UAE-Oman cross-border railway project, has reached 30 per cent completion. The project is designed to connect the UAE network with Sohar in Oman, supporting passenger movement, trade flows and logistics links between the two countries. It is one of the most closely watched regional rail projects as Gulf states revive plans for a broader GCC railway network.