Etihad Rail has disclosed the full scope of the UAE’s national passenger railway network ahead of the first phase of passenger services planned for 2026.
The passenger network will include stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, which were announced in early 2025, alongside additional stations planned for Al Sila’, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a, Al Faya and Al Dhaid. Etihad Rail said the stations will become operational in phases as passenger services are rolled out.
In its initial phase, the network will link key urban and regional locations including Mohammed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, University City in Sharjah and the Al Hilal area of Fujairah. Services are scheduled to operate on a regular timetable and are intended to provide an alternative to intercity road travel.
Etihad Rail confirmed that 10 of the 13 passenger trains in its fleet have already arrived and have undergone testing and certification to international safety and quality standards. Each train is designed to carry up to 400 passengers and will be operated using modern control and safety systems. Passenger trains will be integrated with local transport networks at station level.
The company said the passenger programme builds on its national freight rail operations, which began commercial service in 2023. Development of the passenger network has involved around three years of planning, design and delivery work, totalling approximately 24.5 million working hours and involving more than 7,000 personnel.
According to Etihad Rail, the passenger network is expected to support domestic travel within the UAE, improve inter-emirate connectivity and contribute to wider transport and mobility objectives once services begin in 2026.
