Etihad Rail on Thursday announced seven more stations for the passenger service due to launch this year.
The stations will be in Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezairaa and Al Faya in Abu Dhabi emirate with another at Al Dhaid in Sharjah.
Etihad Rail also revealed the precise locations of the four previously announced stations. They will be at Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, University City in Sharjah and Al Hilal area of Fujairah.
Ten of the 13 trains for the passenger service have arrived, Etihad Rail said. It said the stations will “become operational in phases” but did not give a firm launch date.
Photos released on Thursday also showed the trains and the passenger station at Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, which has a distinctive panelled concrete facade.
Rail network mapped out
Azza Al Suwaidi, deputy chief executive of Etihad Rail Mobility, said the network will serve as a “cornerstone of the UAE’s national transport ecosystem, supporting the country’s long-term development and strengthening connectivity across its Emirates”.
“Our trains will have a distinctly Emirati identity that strengthens national cohesion, while serving as a long-term investment in the country’s transport and infrastructure sectors,” said Ms Al Suwaidi.
“These strategic projects will boost domestic tourism and establish a new regional standard for sustainable, people‑centred mobility, enhancing community well-being and improving quality of life,” she said.
Etihad Rail said the trains have been designed to offer a “comfortable and modern travel experience”, with safe and ergonomic seating, contemporary interiors, full Wi-Fi coverage and power outlets by every seat.
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The Etihad Rail passenger station at Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi. All photos Etihad Rail -
Ten of the 13 trains in the fleet have arrived in the UAE, Etihad Rail said -
Stations are being built across the UAE, such as here at Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi -
The service will connect all seven emirates -
The carriages are modern and sleek -
Each train can accommodate up to 400 passengers
It said that services will operate on a “precise and regular schedule that ensures smooth and speedy travel between cities, free from road congestion”.
A journey time of 57 minutes is forecast from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and 105 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah.
Mohammed Al Shehhi, chief projects officer at Etihad Rail, said the network's first phase will connect 11 cities and areas that “have been carefully selected within key locations such as Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, University City in Sharjah and the Al Hilal area in Fujairah”.
“Our trains have been designed to offer a reliable, congestion-free alternative for intercity travel, with a focus on reducing journey times,” he said.
Mr Al Shehhi said the 10 trains that had arrived have been “tested and certified to the highest international safety and quality standards”.
“Each train can accommodate up to 400 passengers and will be operated using the latest systems to ensure reliability and security. Our services will be seamlessly integrated into the wider transport network.”
Mr Al Shehhi said the latest achievement was the result of three years of planning, design and delivery, involving 24.5 million working hours and more than 7,000 experts and workers.
Boosting connectivity
The network aims to link key areas, trade hubs, education centres, and residential and commercial areas as the UAE's population surges, while boosting tourism, easing congestion and improving sustainability.
Etihad Rail was established in 2009, with freight operations in Abu Dhabi emirate beginning a few years later. Ms Al Suwaidi said Thursday's announcement builds on Etihad Rail's “proven success” since 2023 at operating the national freight rail service.
“This national milestone is the result of close collaboration among all partners and stakeholders, driven by exceptional national talent and underpinned by global best practices,” she said.
“In parallel, we have equipped the network with a next-generation fleet and advanced technologies, in partnership with leading international operators, to ensure the highest standards of quality, reliability and safety.”
Etihad Rail last year also announced details of a high-speed passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. A launch date was not given, but the new line aims to cut the journey time between the two emirates to 30 minutes.
