The test train has already completed the planned route.
New details have emerged about the long-awaited launch of direct trains between the two main cities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai and Abu Dhabi, announced at the beginning of last year.
According to a statement on the UAE national railway network Etihad Rail's website, the launch of a new passenger railway line, which will reduce travel time between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to less than one hour, is planned for this year.
It should be noted that Etihad Rail, launched in 2016, currently specializes exclusively in freight transportation; however, preparations for the launch of passenger services across the country are already in full swing.
"Our preparations for launching passenger services across the national railway network in 2026 reflect the vision of our wise leadership to create an integrated transport ecosystem that supports the economic and social structure of the UAE," said Azza Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility.
The network is expected to connect 11 cities – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Al Silah, Al Dhafra, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezairah, Al Faya, and Al Dhayd – and will be phased in.
Each of the 13 new trains will be able to accommodate up to 400 passengers. All will be equipped with ergonomic seating, modern interior design, Wi-Fi, and individual power outlets at each seat.
The trains will travel at speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, allowing passengers to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in just 50 minutes, and from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in 1 hour and 40 minutes. In comparison, the current bus or car trip between Abu Dhabi and Dubai takes about one and a half hours.
At the same time, the railway network will be organically integrated into the broader transport network, as stations will be connected to other modes of transport.
For his part, Mohammed Al Shehi, Chief Projects Officer of Etihad Rail, added that the connected areas "were carefully selected in key locations such as the Mohammed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, the Jumeirah Golf Estates residential complex in Dubai, the University City in Sharjah, and the Al Hilal district in Fujairah."
At present, the official launch date for the trains has not yet been announced; however, the test passenger train from Dubai to Fujairah has already made its first trip in early February 2026, according to the railway company's website.
After the launch of the entire passenger network, Etihad Rail in the UAE plans to consider expanding beyond the country's borders.
Leave a comment