UAE, November 2025 — Etihad Rail, the United Arab Emirates’ national rail network, is approaching a major milestone with the planned start of passenger services. The network is designed to span around 1,200 km, connecting all seven emirates.

A key development was announced in October 2025, when Etihad Rail formed a joint venture with Keolis International to operate passenger services. The service is planned to begin in 2026.

Etihad Rail expects to carry about 36 million passengers annually by 2030. The passenger operations will initially run between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with plans to expand to Sharjah and Fujairah. Estimated journey times include 57 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and 1 hour 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah.

The development supports the UAE’s goals of reducing road congestion and emissions by offering a more sustainable transport alternative. On the freight side, Etihad Rail’s network was declared fully operational in 2023, and its capacity is being expanded. The annual freight capacity is projected to reach up to 60 million tonnes by 2030.

In terms of infrastructure, the network uses ETCS (ERTMS) Level 2 signaling, in line with international standards. Etihad Rail is also expanding its freight rolling stock with more powerful locomotives designed for harsh desert conditions, high power, and advanced emissions control.

Strategically, the shift to passenger rail is part of the UAE's economic diversification strategy improving connectivity, fostering trade, and supporting sustainable mobility across the country. The Keolis partnership underscores Etihad Rail’s ambition to deliver a “world-class” rail experience with high operational standards.

Source: Railway Technology