All aboard: Etihad Rail prepares for 2026 passenger launch with test run

UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi on a test trip on Wednesday, 8 October, 2025. (Image: WAM)

Etihad Rail’s vision for cross-country travel picked up speed this week, as UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi joined CEO Shadi Malak and senior officials aboard a test trip between Al Qudra in Dubai to Fujairah on Wednesday.

The trip marked the first full-length test of the passenger route, which will open commercially in 2026.

Once operational, Etihad Rail will connect 11 cities from Al Sila on the western border to Fujairah on the east coast, improving access between key destinations.

Each train will carry up to 400 passengers, with annual ridership projected to reach 36.5 million by 2030.

Al Zeyoudi said the new passenger network would be “a critical step” in expanding the UAE’s transport infrastructure.

“This landmark infrastructure project is already expediting the movement of goods and materials between industrial zones, ports and transport hubs, and will now also provide passenger services to enable greater connectivity for our population and, in doing so, support sustainable economic development and reduce harmful emissions,” he said.

In preparation for the launch, Etihad Rail earlier this month signed a joint venture agreement with French transport operator Keolis, which also helps manage the Dubai Metro. The partnership will oversee passenger service operations, safety, maintenance, and customer experience, bringing international best practices to ensure world-class standards across the network.

The passenger service builds on Etihad Rail’s freight network, which spans 900 kilometres from Ghuwaifat on the Saudi border to Fujairah, linking ports including Khalifa, Jebel Ali and Ruwais. The system currently moves heavy freight such as sulphur, aggregates and building materials, and is projected to carry more than 60 million tonnes annually by 2030.

Speaking earlier this month at the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Azza Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Passenger Services, said preparations were advancing to ensure “seamless and connected journeys” for residents and visitors alike.

She said the company was working with local transport providers and municipalities to deliver integrated first- and last-mile solutions.

Trains will operate on fully separated tracks to improve safety and reliability.

Travel times are expected to be 57 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, 70 minutes to Ruwais and 105 minutes to Fujairah. Onboard, passengers will have dedicated areas for work, reading and relaxation, while stations are being designed as accessible, connected hubs.

Etihad Rail estimates the network will contribute around Dhs145bn to the UAE’s GDP over the next five decades.