![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NEYVFT2QMFDEHGGXJGZGSYMTUQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=7fb4d5deee393df63cfe25194f43baea239b23c357c518c24add004d7662e439&width=400&height=225)
The passenger service is expected to carry more than 36 million passengers annually by the end of the decade.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JYFZ5D7JXRCDVIBBEHLFE2IHDI.jpg?smart=true&auth=397735eef2c21c162289d6bd61cc84c55a932958faec66c0b92729b6216f6c5f&width=400&height=225)
Railroad workers preparing tracks at a depot in January 2022. There has been rapid progress on a new line that will eventually carry passengers. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/X3KAFFO3VJAGLA24325OFITTYM.jpg?smart=true&auth=64cc71462701db81f57883590190af8afe9076da2d00a8e573716ce04ebcadd7&width=400&height=225)
The new Etihad Rail line will connect 11 cities and areas across the UAE from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the north.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JSBC4JCCGJDBHFN7A3IDMZ2QJQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=c52fabf8b819e3bc8297076bf1351dd15d5483f41222249bcd96194f147fd0be&width=400&height=225)
Work on the railway at Saih Shuaib.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OPIMGAPDWVB5BBPW43FGXGPGOI.jpg?smart=true&auth=fe1bf6ce739131e79912a401f3e75ffac0e16116a5254003f51e5bce29c855f5&width=400&height=225)
Etihad Rail workers on a railroad overpass along the E77 and E611 highway junction in Dubai.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ORNNRN53YRGYTNDBJGY5JDX5GE.jpg?smart=true&auth=617caa515b0fbb8b7362b8eb2fb3bbb7b81b311d17ffbc500d044eecfe4aa3f1&width=400&height=225)
The overpass view along the E77 and E611 highway junction.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/22JMDEOEQBFFVFLZEPSDD4TGSY.jpg?smart=true&auth=0f11f57bb1656201a4c112d4449e886bdbe860095d8f5112a46124d10a8373ad&width=400&height=225)
Etihad Rail says stations will celebrate the joy of travelling and designs will speak to regional traditions.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JJUEVT46R5F3PBLSRMU5U3POJU.jpg?smart=true&auth=9cd3bf81566f0039f2784fd0210a126d376d2678188665939ed327e4f1438379&width=400&height=225)
Some of the new stations will be built in the cities but the locations have not been yet announced.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NLVIVMPXFVB6VMNXFTUNTZGHFM.jpg?smart=true&auth=ce6e36af0ab748a61f35dfd6d63762679a49b0927caf7d981c5415f4185dce3a&width=400&height=225)
The Abu Dhabi to Dubai line is central to the project.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CMAMJDDAERCR3LTDDZ4CATGER4.jpg?smart=true&auth=dee4e41691791fefd73633d44cafd8e0b1f96e70f23aec8d8af453da7dc7bb74&width=400&height=225)
The train driver takes the diesel inspection line down the tracks.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OSBEADVFFRGHRHCI7UEGNMUAYQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=7f5171d1843090bd87e7f5b1a8ff4449c14b12e177ae09efc76e38493dda68dd&width=400&height=225)
The Abu Dhabi to Dubai section of the track runs parallel to the Emirates Road (E611) motorway.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JFTBYHGAZJACBC3LYHDNPVGAOM.jpg?smart=true&auth=43c773ade18fbf225cc134751858ae8e8d7918fb6b6c1c49418a6e7db28865b9&width=400&height=225)
Newly laid tracks at the Dubai South area.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/V3B5ZTOKAJHYZB74HWCQIRT3NE.jpg?smart=true&auth=f0f8081419968ebaee2a0874d9c5c9abf7b8402dc9e93755c7e57198aace2592&width=400&height=225)
Railroad workers preparing tracks.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IB3GIQGY2RBR7NP4LECIL3GBFM.jpg?smart=true&auth=4d77d3f447adcfe8f8ed61e743f18ab5d77c4a1f6140d42e44cd1bf7a6ede2c3&width=400&height=225)
An Etihad Rail worker on the Abu Dhabi to Dubai line.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KSTRQC4ITRDXVNNJ5ZLLOCCHQE.jpg?smart=true&auth=02d3e7cda9016c2f894a99061b54ddfb80fd41733d234a43680964b8a7dce110&width=400&height=225)
An Etihad Rail depot at Saih Shuaib.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/P6UVA43FFFAFVHSYYZLBT7ODTY.jpg?smart=true&auth=b4c841b6c1a06e73d83a1d315d7ee3d288a291b6d380b95ba6d237e27557787f&width=400&height=225)
Passengers will also be able to use park and rides.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/N57OI4QSENDIZHKN72ACJKP4A4.jpg?smart=true&auth=b95205e0aab9ce167971f3a2f16f6618d9ea62099076ca209ee0a0384dcc4e5e&width=400&height=225)
Passengers can expect travel time of 50 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and about 100 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KJZYB5XSF5BQJNIQWYXMHZUGWE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4df3294148f608ff80a2efe226fbe702a7f14b9c8d21c24000290fcee74a87df&width=400&height=225)
Construction of the UAE-wide network is advancing rapidly with close to 70 per cent of the twin-track route complete.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VFXLUGLLR5DYLA3DC6UD64N4HE.jpg?smart=true&auth=ce2fbfa800d7859a92c3c4dcc20ff149c1962e0313677f988dff9ffd2a8a8292&width=400&height=225)
The addition of the passenger rail service marked an important moment for Etihad Rail since its establishment in 2009.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5RCOENCQF5AFND4CREHSILR5V4.jpg?smart=true&auth=883d3a77e7dccb8b7f5b8fef3ad2097737a1d5886f5de8118deabd118f38b331&width=400&height=225)
The rail track snakes through the desert.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6ADVSKM2SFFM5KKNDK5DYXJYFQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=ae4fe0c433b13c5539d000e9a7742ff11615d8a35462d14d7134216a434c65bc&width=400&height=225)
An Etihad Rail employee on the inspection line.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/COHUPNBQLRGODPCUGXIAFCJLPY.jpg?smart=true&auth=57f489143de0dddfb191f0cefa49e16908d39fc5b69095cf3549905e95293f74&width=400&height=225)
Three Etihad Rail workers take a rest, with the inspection train on right.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TKGKKXFRXNEJVFG7JNVD7PLLUM.jpg?smart=true&auth=f1caf85180cabf92da9ba6311e0b5e58388375b4254c1002fcd2c33ba968f35d&width=400&height=225)
Stage two of the project joins Ghuweifat on the border with Saudi Arabia to Fujairah on the east coast in a line running for about 1,200km.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NEYVFT2QMFDEHGGXJGZGSYMTUQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=7fb4d5deee393df63cfe25194f43baea239b23c357c518c24add004d7662e439&width=400&height=225)
The passenger service is expected to carry more than 36 million passengers annually by the end of the decade.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JYFZ5D7JXRCDVIBBEHLFE2IHDI.jpg?smart=true&auth=397735eef2c21c162289d6bd61cc84c55a932958faec66c0b92729b6216f6c5f&width=400&height=225)
Railroad workers preparing tracks at a depot in January 2022. There has been rapid progress on a new line that will eventually carry passengers. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/X3KAFFO3VJAGLA24325OFITTYM.jpg?smart=true&auth=64cc71462701db81f57883590190af8afe9076da2d00a8e573716ce04ebcadd7&width=400&height=225)
The new Etihad Rail line will connect 11 cities and areas across the UAE from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the north.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JSBC4JCCGJDBHFN7A3IDMZ2QJQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=c52fabf8b819e3bc8297076bf1351dd15d5483f41222249bcd96194f147fd0be&width=400&height=225)
Work on the railway at Saih Shuaib.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OPIMGAPDWVB5BBPW43FGXGPGOI.jpg?smart=true&auth=fe1bf6ce739131e79912a401f3e75ffac0e16116a5254003f51e5bce29c855f5&width=400&height=225)
Etihad Rail workers on a railroad overpass along the E77 and E611 highway junction in Dubai.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ORNNRN53YRGYTNDBJGY5JDX5GE.jpg?smart=true&auth=617caa515b0fbb8b7362b8eb2fb3bbb7b81b311d17ffbc500d044eecfe4aa3f1&width=400&height=225)
The overpass view along the E77 and E611 highway junction.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/22JMDEOEQBFFVFLZEPSDD4TGSY.jpg?smart=true&auth=0f11f57bb1656201a4c112d4449e886bdbe860095d8f5112a46124d10a8373ad&width=400&height=225)
Etihad Rail says stations will celebrate the joy of travelling and designs will speak to regional traditions.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JJUEVT46R5F3PBLSRMU5U3POJU.jpg?smart=true&auth=9cd3bf81566f0039f2784fd0210a126d376d2678188665939ed327e4f1438379&width=400&height=225)
Some of the new stations will be built in the cities but the locations have not been yet announced.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NLVIVMPXFVB6VMNXFTUNTZGHFM.jpg?smart=true&auth=ce6e36af0ab748a61f35dfd6d63762679a49b0927caf7d981c5415f4185dce3a&width=400&height=225)
The Abu Dhabi to Dubai line is central to the project.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CMAMJDDAERCR3LTDDZ4CATGER4.jpg?smart=true&auth=dee4e41691791fefd73633d44cafd8e0b1f96e70f23aec8d8af453da7dc7bb74&width=400&height=225)
The train driver takes the diesel inspection line down the tracks.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OSBEADVFFRGHRHCI7UEGNMUAYQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=7f5171d1843090bd87e7f5b1a8ff4449c14b12e177ae09efc76e38493dda68dd&width=400&height=225)
The Abu Dhabi to Dubai section of the track runs parallel to the Emirates Road (E611) motorway.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JFTBYHGAZJACBC3LYHDNPVGAOM.jpg?smart=true&auth=43c773ade18fbf225cc134751858ae8e8d7918fb6b6c1c49418a6e7db28865b9&width=400&height=225)
Newly laid tracks at the Dubai South area.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/V3B5ZTOKAJHYZB74HWCQIRT3NE.jpg?smart=true&auth=f0f8081419968ebaee2a0874d9c5c9abf7b8402dc9e93755c7e57198aace2592&width=400&height=225)
Railroad workers preparing tracks.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IB3GIQGY2RBR7NP4LECIL3GBFM.jpg?smart=true&auth=4d77d3f447adcfe8f8ed61e743f18ab5d77c4a1f6140d42e44cd1bf7a6ede2c3&width=400&height=225)
An Etihad Rail worker on the Abu Dhabi to Dubai line.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KSTRQC4ITRDXVNNJ5ZLLOCCHQE.jpg?smart=true&auth=02d3e7cda9016c2f894a99061b54ddfb80fd41733d234a43680964b8a7dce110&width=400&height=225)
An Etihad Rail depot at Saih Shuaib.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/P6UVA43FFFAFVHSYYZLBT7ODTY.jpg?smart=true&auth=b4c841b6c1a06e73d83a1d315d7ee3d288a291b6d380b95ba6d237e27557787f&width=400&height=225)
Passengers will also be able to use park and rides.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/N57OI4QSENDIZHKN72ACJKP4A4.jpg?smart=true&auth=b95205e0aab9ce167971f3a2f16f6618d9ea62099076ca209ee0a0384dcc4e5e&width=400&height=225)
Passengers can expect travel time of 50 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and about 100 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KJZYB5XSF5BQJNIQWYXMHZUGWE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4df3294148f608ff80a2efe226fbe702a7f14b9c8d21c24000290fcee74a87df&width=400&height=225)
Construction of the UAE-wide network is advancing rapidly with close to 70 per cent of the twin-track route complete.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VFXLUGLLR5DYLA3DC6UD64N4HE.jpg?smart=true&auth=ce2fbfa800d7859a92c3c4dcc20ff149c1962e0313677f988dff9ffd2a8a8292&width=400&height=225)
The addition of the passenger rail service marked an important moment for Etihad Rail since its establishment in 2009.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5RCOENCQF5AFND4CREHSILR5V4.jpg?smart=true&auth=883d3a77e7dccb8b7f5b8fef3ad2097737a1d5886f5de8118deabd118f38b331&width=400&height=225)
The rail track snakes through the desert.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6ADVSKM2SFFM5KKNDK5DYXJYFQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=ae4fe0c433b13c5539d000e9a7742ff11615d8a35462d14d7134216a434c65bc&width=400&height=225)
An Etihad Rail employee on the inspection line.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/COHUPNBQLRGODPCUGXIAFCJLPY.jpg?smart=true&auth=57f489143de0dddfb191f0cefa49e16908d39fc5b69095cf3549905e95293f74&width=400&height=225)
Three Etihad Rail workers take a rest, with the inspection train on right.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TKGKKXFRXNEJVFG7JNVD7PLLUM.jpg?smart=true&auth=f1caf85180cabf92da9ba6311e0b5e58388375b4254c1002fcd2c33ba968f35d&width=400&height=225)
Stage two of the project joins Ghuweifat on the border with Saudi Arabia to Fujairah on the east coast in a line running for about 1,200km.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NEYVFT2QMFDEHGGXJGZGSYMTUQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=7fb4d5deee393df63cfe25194f43baea239b23c357c518c24add004d7662e439&width=400&height=225)
The passenger service is expected to carry more than 36 million passengers annually by the end of the decade.
Abu Dhabi to Dubai railway: what is it like to ride on Etihad Rail?
'The National' was granted a rare trip on the tracks to get a taste of what passengers can expect
![John Dennehy](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F6672bef4-f371-4546-90ba-13ad5ded9082.png?smart=true&auth=f1d711e1371a4276112f01656e091484625201f90342530a0b42086db97abdf2&width=70&height=70)
John Dennehy
02 March, 2022
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