The UAE is about to revolutionize travel with the launch of Etihad Rail’s passenger trains. While the railway currently handles freight, passenger services are just around the corner, promising a faster, greener, and more efficient way to move across the 7 Emirates. Picture this: reaching your destination in nearly half the time it takes by car—like the journey between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which will only take 50 minutes. This rail network will also stretch to Oman, making cross-border travel smoother and quicker for the GCC. Stay tuned for all the latest updates on Etihad Rail!
First Stop: Fujairah
Fujairah will debut the first passenger station, situated in the heart of Sakamkam. The trains, designed by Spain’s CAF, will carry over 400 passengers and feature first-class, business, and economy seating. With speeds up to 200 kilometers per hour, it promises to be one of the fastest and most efficient ways to travel between major UAE cities. Once the Fujairah station is up and running, more stations will follow across the Emirates, though a timeline for their completion hasn’t been announced yet.
Paying With Your Nol Card
Etihad Rail has teamed up with Dubai’s RTA, which means you might soon be able to use your Dubai Nol card to book train tickets. This collaboration will make trip planning and payments as seamless as your journey across the UAE.
Connecting the 7 Emirates
The passenger network will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, stretching from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east, with stops in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other major hubs. Travel between cities will be dramatically faster, with journey times cut by 30% to 40% compared to driving.
Connecting the UAE to Oman
Construction on the Oman link, officially named Hafeet Rail, started in May 2024. This route will connect Sohar in Oman with Abu Dhabi, drastically reducing travel times. For example, the trip from Abu Dhabi to Sohar will be just 1 hour and 40 minutes, while the journey from Al Ain to Sohar will only take 47 minutes.
Luxury On Board
Riding with Etihad Rail promises a blend of speed, comfort, and luxury. Expect top-notch amenities like infotainment systems, charging stations, and ample legroom. The design and service draw inspiration from the opulence of the Orient Express, thanks to a collaboration with the Italian luxury hospitality brand Arsenale.
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Etihad Railways Already in Action with Freight Trains
While we eagerly await passenger services, Etihad Rail’s freight trains are already up and running, helping to keep heavy trucks off the roads and cut CO2 emissions. By 2050, Etihad Rail aims to reduce road transport emissions by 21%, marking a major contribution to the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy.
Etihad Rail is a key part of the UAE’s broader push for sustainability, efficiency, and connectivity. Whether you’re traveling across the country or heading into Oman, this new rail system is set to revolutionize regional transportation.
