His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed the progress of the Etihad Rail project and took a landmark passenger train journey between Dubai and Fujairah, marking a key milestone in the UAE’s national railway network.
Set to begin commercial operations in 2026, the passenger train service is part of a wider vision to connect the country through sustainable, efficient, and modern infrastructure. The journey underlines Sheikh Mohammed’s commitment to overseeing strategic development projects and ensuring alignment with the UAE’s long-term national goals.
Describing the railway as one of the country’s most significant infrastructure undertakings, Sheikh Mohammed said the project will have broad economic, social, and developmental benefits. The Etihad Rail team briefed him on the latest milestones and expressed pride in the historic visit.
Enhancing connectivity
“Etihad Rail is a vital economic artery that supports the UAE’s journey to the future,” he said. “It is a key pillar in our vision to build an integrated transport network that strengthens the UAE’s position as a leading logistics hub, while facilitating the movement of people and goods.”
With stations planned in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah during the first phase of operations, the railway is expected to serve as a major catalyst for social mobility, tourism, and inter-emirate connectivity. Trains will travel at speeds of up to 200 km/hr, carrying up to 400 passengers per journey, with projected annual ridership reaching 36.5 million by 2030.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum took the passenger train journey between Dubai and Fujairah. (Image source: WAM)
The national network will eventually connect 11 cities and regions, stretching from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east. Once fully operational, Etihad Rail will set a new standard for sustainable transport in the region, supporting the UAE’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of Etihad Rail, said, “We had the honour of hosting His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum aboard a passenger train journey between the emirates of Dubai and Fujairah. This exemplifies the unwavering commitment of the UAE's visionary leadership to support national projects that propel the progress of our nation. He has been integral to our journey, witnessing the evolution of our network through its various phases: from the announcement of the ‘Projects of the 50’ in 2021 to the inauguration of the complete national railway network and the commencement of freight train operations in 2023. Today, we stand on the cusp of a transformative era in the UAE's transportation landscape and take immense pride in and deeply appreciate the support we have received for this national project. This is a project that drives us towards a brighter future by strengthening connectivity and economic integration across the UAE, thus, serving the nation’s interests and enhancing its competitiveness on the global stage.”
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Trains will travel at speeds of up to 200 km/hr. (Image source: WAM)
