United Arab Emirates: Etihad Rail’s new passenger service launching in 2026 will cut travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to 30 minutes, contribute AED145bn to GDP, and introduce a luxury Orient Express-style train, enhancing connectivity and boosting tourism across the UAE.
Etihad Rail is poised to transform travel in the United Arab Emirates with its highly anticipated passenger train service, set to launch in 2026. In an announcement from the transport operator, it was revealed that this innovative high-speed rail system will dramatically cut travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to just 30 minutes, marking a significant advancement in the region’s transportation infrastructure.
The project is not merely about speed; it is projected to contribute an impressive AED145 billion (approximately $39.5 billion) to the UAE’s GDP over the next fifty years. This contribution underscores the railway’s potential as a vital economic catalyst, enhancing connectivity and supporting social integration across the emirates. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail, emphasised the pivotal role this railway will play in fostering economic growth, stating that it will facilitate rapid and convenient travel, thus bridging the distances that currently exist between major urban centres.
The railway will feature six strategically positioned stations throughout the UAE, including prominent locations such as Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, as well as key junctions near Al Maktoum International Airport and the Al Jaddaf area in Dubai. This extensive network highlights Etihad Rail’s commitment to sustainable development; the entire system is set to operate on electric power, aligning with the UAE’s broader environmental goals.
Alongside the high-speed service, the plans for a comprehensive passenger rail network extend even further. In total, the railway will connect eleven different cities and regions, stretching from Al Sila to Fujairah and including major hubs like Sharjah and Al Dhaid. Initial phases of the project have begun, with tenders issued, illustrating the urgency and scale of the undertaking. Additionally, the Dubai Road and Transport Authority is collaborating as a ticketing and payment partner, facilitating seamless travel for passengers.
There are also exciting developments in the realm of luxury travel. Etihad Rail has entered into a partnership with Italy’s Arsenale Group to introduce an Orient Express-style luxury service. This initiative will feature beautifully designed carriages inspired by Emirati culture and is expected to enhance the region’s tourism appeal by offering a unique travel experience. The luxury service will traverse stunning landscapes, including mountain views and coastal scenery, as it journeys through the diverse settings of the UAE.
As Etihad Rail embarks on this ambitious project, it not only aims to reshape the travel experience within the UAE but also to bolster economic ties and foster greater social cohesion among its rapidly growing population. With its commitment to utilising advanced technology and sustainable practices, Etihad Rail is setting a new standard for rail travel in the region.
This new mode of transport promises to herald a new era not only for commuters but also for the broader economic landscape of the UAE, as it integrates the efficient movement of people with the region’s ambitious growth plans.
Reference Map
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/transport/etihad-rail-passenger-service-2026 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://economymiddleeast.com/news/uae-high-speed-train-project-etihad-rail-gdp-contribution/ – Etihad Rail’s high-speed train project is projected to contribute AED145 billion ($39.5 billion) to the UAE’s GDP over the next five decades. The train will connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai, facilitating rapid travel and serving as a catalyst for enhanced economic and social integration. The network will feature six strategically positioned stations: Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, along with stations near Al Maktoum International Airport and the Jaddaf area in Dubai. The system will operate entirely on electric power, aligning with the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
- https://abudhabi.evinnovationsummit.com/2025/01/24/uae-etihad-rail-announces-new-high-speed-all-electric-train-connecting-abu-dhabi-and-dubai/ – Etihad Rail has unveiled a high-speed, all-electric passenger train capable of reaching speeds up to 350 km/h, set to redefine travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This state-of-the-art train will reduce travel time between the two emirates to just 30 minutes, marking a new era of sustainable transportation in the UAE. The train will pass through six key stations, including Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, and areas near Al Maktoum International Airport and the Al Jaddaf district in Dubai. Alongside this flagship service, Etihad Rail plans to introduce a regular passenger train network, offering connectivity across the UAE and beyond.
- https://tvitoday.com/2025/01/24/etihad-rail-announces-30-minute-high-speed-train-between-abu-dhabi-and-dubai/ – Etihad Rail has announced plans for a high-speed passenger rail link that will reduce travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to just 30 minutes. The train service will reach speeds of up to 350 km/h and will pass through key strategic destinations and tourist attractions. The project is expected to add AED145 billion to the UAE’s GDP over the next five decades. Tenders for the first phase of the project were issued on January 10, with a May 7 deadline for submission. The first four stations of the network will be strategically located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, integrated with metro and bus lines.
- https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/274978375/high-speed-train-projected-to-contribute-aed145-billion-to-uae-economy-over-five-decades – Mohammed Al Shehhi, Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail, highlighted the pivotal role of the high-speed train in bolstering the UAE’s economic growth. Over the next five decades, this ambitious project is anticipated to contribute significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with an estimated contribution of AED145 billion. The high-speed rail network, connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will not only facilitate rapid and convenient travel but also serve as a catalyst for enhanced economic and social integration. The network will encompass six strategically located stations: Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, and stations in proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and the Jaddaf area in Dubai. The high-speed rail system, operating entirely on electric power, aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s national commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
- https://www.timeoutabudhabi.com/travel/etihad-rail-passenger-train – Etihad Rail’s passenger train will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, stretching from Al Sila to Fujairah, including Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, and Abu Dhabi. The first four Etihad Rail passenger train stations will be located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. The ticket price has not been revealed yet, but Dubai’s RTA is the ticketing and payment partner for Etihad Rail, which means that Dubai’s nol card could be one of the various ticket booking and fare payment solutions to be used for Etihad Rail. The passenger train is being designed by Spain’s CAF, which will manufacture, supply, and provide maintenance on the trains as per European standards. Each train will seat over 400 passengers and will run up to 200 kilometers per hour. There will be a variety of seating segments to choose from, including first class, business class, and economy.
- https://english.alarabiya.net/business/aviation-and-transport/2023/05/18/UAE-luxury-train-Etihad-Rail-partners-with-Italy-s-Arsenale-for-passenger-service – Etihad Rail has partnered with Italy’s Arsenale Group to introduce luxury passenger train carriages along the UAE’s Etihad Rail line between Fujairah and the Liwa desert in Abu Dhabi. The agreement is expected to bring an Orient Express-style service within the Gulf country and later extend throughout the GCC. The 15 luxury coaches will feature designs from Emirati culture and will be built in the south of Italy. The train, once operational, will travel through Abu Dhabi and Dubai, extending to Fujairah, with a mountain view overlooking the sea, towards the border with Oman, and passing through Mezeira’a and the Liwa Desert. This partnership aims to drive economic and social growth and boost the tourism sector in the UAE by providing a luxurious train travel experience.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative references current developments and future plans for Etihad Rail, including a launch in 2026, indicating recent information. No outdated references are apparent.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
There are no direct quotes in the narrative. However, the mention of Mohammed Al Shehhi’s role suggests that quotes could be original if they were present.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from Arabian Business, which is a reputable publication, though not as well-known globally as outlets like BBC or Reuters.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about Etihad Rail’s expansion and its economic impact are plausible, given the ongoing infrastructure development in the UAE. Details about the project’s scope and partners enhance plausibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative provides recent and plausible information about Etihad Rail’s passenger service, supported by details on its economic and environmental impact. The reliability of the source and the freshness of the content contribute to a high confidence level.
