New Passenger Train Connecting UAE in 2026: All You Need to Know About the Etihad Rail

By 2026, there will be a new way to travel across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that doesn’t involve tiring drives and frustrating traffic jams.

Etihad Rail, a project slated to connect not only the UAE but also other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), will soon provide a state-of-the-art mode of transportation for locals and tourists in the Middle East. Designed for safe, convenient, efficient, and sustainable travel, this high-speed train network will reduce travel times thanks to speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour.

Keep reading to know more about the new passenger train connecting the UAE and how it can affect your Ras Al Khaimah adventures in the future.

What Is the Etihad Rail?

Etihad Rail is the first railway line to connect the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Upon completion, it will span 1,200 kilometers and will transport both cargo and passengers across the GCC.

Here are some fast facts behind the project:

Development: Etihad Rail PJSC

Ownership: Abu Dhabi Government (70%) and Federal UAE Government (30%)

Legality: Federal Law No. 2 (2009)

As this is a massive project, it was divided into several stages and packages, which were developed gradually over 15 years.

The first stage, which was developed from 2011 to 2015, involved freight trains running between Al Ruways and Shah Habshan to transport over 7 million tons of sulfur.

After additional funding was approved in 2018, Package A, which connected the Saudi border through Ruwais to the main train line, was completed two months ahead of schedule in September 2021.

In 2023, Stage Two is already fully operational, completing the UAE freight network spanning 900 kilometers of railway that links Ghuweifat, Shah, Habshan, Ruwais, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah.

When Will Etihad Rail Open for Passengers?

Since 2023, Etihad Rail’s freight services have been operating nationwide, covering all seven emirates – all while the long-awaited passenger service is being developed for its scheduled launch in 2026.

As a high-speed and efficient alternative to highway travel, the passenger rail line offers travelers a unique way to experience the UAE’s diverse landscapes — from the dramatic mountains of Fujairah to the tranquil Al Maha Forest in Abu Dhabi. It also delivers a sustainable and energy-efficient mode of transport for eco-conscious travelers.

Etihad Rail is set to connect key cities and cultural hubs across the country, making it easier than ever to explore the Emirates by train.

Etihad Rail Stations, Map, & Travel Time

The Etihad Rail high-speed train is designed to make traveling faster and more convenient. Connecting 11 UAE cities, such as Al Sila, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Al Dhaid, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah, the transport project can also help reduce car traffic by 30 to 40 percent.

Here are all the details of the cross-country train’s stations, map, and estimated travel time:

Etihad Rail Map

The Etihad Rail network will stretch across the UAE, connecting its western border with Saudi Arabia all the way to the eastern coastline in Fujairah. Along the route, the train will pass through stunning desert landscapes, coastal plains, and the dramatic Al Hajar mountain range, where you’ll find Jebel Jais — the highest peak in the UAE.

The network’s key segments include:

• The border city of Ghuweifat, linking the UAE to Saudi Arabia
• Industrial hubs like Ruwais and ICAD in Abu Dhabi
• The cultural and business centers of Abu Dhabi City and Dubai
• Academic and museum districts in Sharjah
• Mountain and coastal views in Fujairah

Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain will also be connected through planned future extensions, bringing the network’s reach to even more key destinations across the Emirates.

Etihad Rail Stations

So far, reports confirmed four stations for the high-speed passenger train line in strategic locations across Fujairah, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.

The first station is set to be built in Fujairah, specifically in Sakamkam, Al-Hilal. Following this, a second station is scheduled to be developed in University City, Sharjah.

The precise station locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are still to be confirmed. However, the Dubai station is likely to be near Jumeirah Golf Estates, with the main passenger hub being built adjacent to the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station. The Abu Dhabi station is anticipated to be situated between Mussafah bus station and Dalma Mall, within the corridor of Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Mussafah Industrial Area.

All Etihad Rail passenger train stations follow three key things:

• Strategic placement for better connectivity across airports, cultural districts, beaches, and leisure hubs.
• Regional access connecting industrial zones and tourist hotspots for easier inter-emirate travel.
• Seamless intermodal links with buses and Metro lines, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, for easy transfers.

Etihad Rail Travel Times

Here’s a quick overview of the estimated Etihad Rail passenger train travel time across different locations:

• Abu Dhabi to Dubai – 57 minutes
• Abu Dhabi to Fujairah – 105 minutes
• Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais – 70 minutes
• Abu Dhabi to Sohar – 100 minutes
• Al Ain to Sohar – 47 minutes 

Etihad Rail in Ras Al Khaimah

Etihad Rail has completed track works that connect Ras Al Khaimah to the UAE’s national railway network. A 5.7-kilometer line now links the emirate to the mainline as part of the project’s final construction package.

At this stage, the rail link primarily supports freight transport, particularly serving Ras Al Khaimah’s key industries. The line will help move an estimated 3.5 million tons of quarry materials annually, enhancing Ras Al Khaimah Ports’ role in regional logistics.

Although it is mapped within the future passenger network, an official timeline for passenger service to the emirate has not yet been announced. For now, passenger travel times to Ras Al Khaimah remain unconfirmed via Etihad Rail, while freight operations are already benefiting from the connection.

The Future of Travel in the UAE

Etihad Rail’s passenger service will soon offer a faster, greener way to explore the Emirates. Whether you’re visiting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, or uncovering top places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah, the new network will make inter-emirate travel easier and more scenic.

Launching in 2026, the train will connect major cities and landscapes across the UAE. Stay tuned as more stations and routes are confirmed, and get ready to add rail journeys to your next UAE itinerary.