Watch: Sheikh Mohammed take first Etihad Rail ride from Dubai to Fujairah
New UAE rail project to link 11 cities with 200kmph passenger trains
DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has taken the inaugural ride on the Etihad Rail passenger train, travelling from Dubai to Fujairah as part of a trial run.
The journey marks a major milestone for the country’s national railway project, which is set to open to the public in 2026.
Posting photos from the journey on his official X account, the Dubai Ruler wrote: “The train will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, from Al Sila to Fujairah, with a speed of 200 km/h. It is expected to carry 36 million passengers annually by 2030.”
He added: “I’m proud of our national projects... proud of the Etihad Rail team led by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed... and proud of a nation that never stops working.”
خلال رحلة من دبي للفجيرة بقطار الاتحاد للركاب .. القطار سيربط بين 11 مدينة ومنطقة في الدولة من السلع للفجيرة .. بسرعة 200 كم/ساعة . وسيسهم بنقل 36 مليون مسافر بحلول 2030 .. وسيبدأ تشغيله العام القادم باذن الله .
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 2, 2025
فخور بمشاريعنا الوطنية .. وفخور بفريق عمل قطارات الاتحاد الذي… pic.twitter.com/5U1DOmxBXS
What areas will Etihad Rail connect?
The full passenger network will cover around 900km, linking major cities and regions across all seven emirates. Key locations include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Al Ain, Al Dhaid, Al Mirfa, Ruwais and Ghuweifat, near the Saudi border.
The line will also connect with Sohar in Oman via the Hafeet Rail project, further enhancing regional mobility. Travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be reduced to just 57 minutes, while the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route will take around 105 minutes.
Where will the stations be located?
Authorities have confirmed station sites in Fujairah’s Sakamkam area and Sharjah’s University City. In Abu Dhabi, the proposed station is expected near Dalma Mall, between Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City. A Dubai station is being considered near Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station.
These stops are designed to serve high-traffic areas and improve intercity access for commuters and tourists alike.
What benefits will the railway bring?
Part of the Dh50 billion National Railways Programme, Etihad Rail is expected to generate Dh200 billion in economic benefits over 50 years. This includes Dh100 billion in transportation cost savings, Dh22 billion from reduced road accidents, and Dh23 billion in improved urban planning.
Tourism is also set to gain Dh24 billion, driven by easier access to destinations. Each freight train is expected to remove up to 300 trucks from the roads, helping cut land transport emissions by 21 per cent annually by 2050 – equivalent to eliminating 8.2 million tonnes of CO₂ per year.