Etihad Rail passenger train service in 2026: Free WiFi, stations, travel time; all you need to know

The UAE's national railway project, Etihad Rail, is set to launch its passenger train service in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country's transportation infrastructure.

This development was revealed during a meeting hosted by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and a delegation from Etihad Rail at Al Dhanna Palace.

The Etihad Rail project is one of the country’s largest transportation projects. It is on the verge of transforming travel across the UAE through an extensive . Although 2026 is the launch year, the exact start date is yet to be revealed. It is anticipated that, once operational, the service will accommodate around 36.5 million passengers annually.

Zip between all 7 emirates

The railway network will span approximately 1,200km, connecting major cities across . Designed to enhance connectivity, and promote sustainable transportation, the project is a significant step forward in the nation's infrastructure development.

Etihad Rail

The will not only connect cities, but also regions across the UAE, spanning from Al Sila to Fujairah, including Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. Authorities have already announced. The first one will be at Sakamkam in Fujairah, and the second one will be in Sharjah, University City.

Captain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, the first Emirati train captain for Etihad Rail (seated)

Fast and far-reaching

One of the standout features of Etihad Rail's passenger service is its speed. The trains will operate at , reducing travel times for residents. For instance, journeys from . Travel time for passenger trains:

Abu Dhabi to Dubai: approximately 57 minutes

Abu Dhabi to Ruwais: about 70 minutes

Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: around 105 minutes

Dubai to Fujairah: close to 50 minutes

Passengers inside prototype Etihad Rail train

Travel luxury

UAE's passenger trains will have and comfortable grey seats. The rail passenger service flaunts an aerodynamic design, a key feature of high-speed trains.

Each train will accommodate over . Amenities include free Wifi, infotainment systems, charging stations, ample legroom, and advanced air-conditioning.

The coaches, in silver and grey, have different types of seating. Similar to the flight class, the seats are arranged in a 2+2 format across the coaches. Compartments are separated with electric doors, and TV screens display information, such as location and arrival times, in each section of the train.

Scenic routes

The train will consist of 15 luxury carriages passing through the cosmopolitan cities, nature destinations of Fujairah, with its mountains bordering Oman, and the Liwa desert, with its world-famous oasis, near Mezeiraa train station. The journey will offer a .

Door-to-door service

Etihad Rail plans to offer a for passengers, ensuring hassle-free connectivity from the train stations to their final destinations. The railways will be integrated with all modes of transport and shared mobility solutions. There will be public transportation available to a passenger's final destination be it their home, place of work or a tourist spot.

Dubai's Nol card for tickets

You could use passenger trains once they start chugging across the UAE. The ticketing system will be one of the various ticket booking and fare payment solutions to travel on the pan-UAE railway network.

Global partnership

Etihad Rail has partnered with several international companies to enhance its passenger services. Notably, agreements have been signed with firms such as SNCF International, Alstom, Progress Rail, and Thales Group to develop advanced , real-time passenger flow management, and intelligent traffic operations.

The high-speed train project is expected to contribute over the next five decades.

Etihad Rail is more than a new way to get from . It is an investment in the UAE's vision for smart, . By linking cities, easing commutes, and , it’s setting the tone for what modern transport in the region can look like.

ajanta@khaleejtimes.com