Lifestyle
Etihad Rail to link 11 cities from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah
The national railway network will connect key urban and industrial hubs across the UAE, with passenger services expected to cut travel times significantly.
Etihad Rail is developing a national passenger railway service connecting 11 cities and regions across the Emirates. The project aims to reduce travel times between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to 50 minutes, and Abu Dhabi to Fujairah to 100 minutes, offering a new public transport option for residents.
## What is the Etihad Rail passenger service? The Etihad Rail passenger service is a national project designed to connect the UAE's major population and industrial centres by train. The network, developed and operated by Etihad Rail, will run from the Saudi border at Ghuweifat to the eastern port city of Fujairah. Trains are designed to travel at speeds up to 200 kilometres per hour. The project aims to provide a reliable and efficient alternative to road transport, significantly cutting down journey times for commuters and travellers across the country. The passenger service complements the freight network, which is already operational. ## Confirmed stations and key routes Etihad Rail has confirmed the route will connect 11 key locations through a series of passenger stations. While a final launch date for the full network is set for 2030, specific routes are expected to become operational sooner. The primary route will link Abu Dhabi with Dubai, with an estimated travel time of just 50 minutes. The line will extend to connect the northern emirates and the east coast. Key stations announced along the network include: - Abu Dhabi - Al Ain - Dubai South - Downtown Dubai (close to…