Etihad Rail has unveiled an exciting new travel experience, announcing that the journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will take just 57 minutes at a speed of 200 km/h, significantly cutting the typical two-hour travel time. This high-speed rail service will also connect the capital to other emirates, with trips from Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais taking 70 minutes and to Fujairah taking 105 minutes.
The ambitious rail network is set to cover 11 cities across the UAE, including Al Sila, Fujairah, Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, and Dubai. So far, two passenger station locations have been disclosed: one in Sakamkam, Fujairah, and another in Sharjah, University City.
Although a specific launch date remains unconfirmed, authorities expect the service to cater to approximately 36.5 million passengers each year once operational. UAE residents got a sneak peek of the sleek passenger trains during a recent journey between Abu Dhabi and the Al Dhannah region, showcasing the modern amenities of the train.
The new trains will feature luxurious interiors, comfortable seating arrangements in a 2+2 format, and electric doors separating compartments. Each section will include TV screens displaying travel information, enhancing the passenger experience.
The Dh50 billion UAE Railways Programme, initiated in December 2021, is the country’s largest integrated transport system for both goods and passengers. The initiative, which supports over 9,000 jobs by 2030, includes key projects such as Freight Rail, Rail Passenger Services, and Integrated Transportation Services.
With much of the railway infrastructure already completed, freight services began operating in 2023. The latest freight fleet, equipped with 38 locomotives, has an annual capacity of 60 million tons of goods.
Etihad Rail has recently rebranded, revealing a new logo inspired by the eye of a falcon, representing agility, speed, and determination in achieving its goals. This reflects the rail network’s commitment to setting itself apart through elegance and a forward-thinking vision for the future.
