The UAE is set to enter a new era of public transportation. Etihad Rail, the country’s flagship railway project, will begin welcoming passengers in 2026. This high-speed, electrified railway network is designed to connect key cities across the UAE—transforming how people travel between emirates while promoting sustainable growth and mobility.

A New High-Speed Link Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Among the most anticipated aspects of the network is the high-speed rail link between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Designed to reach speeds of up to 350 km/h, this line will allow passengers to travel between the two cities in just 30 minutes—dramatically reducing commute times and offering a competitive alternative to road transport.

The network will initially feature six major stations, offering seamless travel and convenience for both residents and visitors.

First Four Passenger Stations to Open

The first phase of the passenger service will see stations open in:

1. Abu Dhabi

2. Dubai

3. Sharjah

4. Fujairah

Each train will accommodate over 400 passengers, with a focus on comfort, speed, and safety. The railway is expected to ease traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and provide a sustainable, long-term transportation solution for the UAE.

Cities to Be Connected by Etihad Rail

Beyond the initial four stations, the full Etihad Rail network will eventually connect the following cities and regions:

• Abu Dhabi

• Dubai

• Sharjah

• Ras Al Khaimah

• Fujairah

• Al Ain

• Ruwais

• Al Mirfa

• Al Dhaid

• Ghuweifat (on the Saudi Arabia border)

• Sohar, Oman (via the Hafeet Rail project)

This expansion will form a strategic link between the UAE’s key population centers, ports, and borders, further strengthening trade and mobility within the region.

What to Expect

Although 2026 has been confirmed as the official launch year, the exact date for the start of passenger services is still to be announced. Once operational, Etihad Rail will offer modern trains with spacious seating, onboard amenities, and high-speed connectivity, setting new standards for public transportation in the region.

Impact on the Real Estate Market

The introduction of Etihad Rail is expected to significantly boost the UAE’s real estate sector. Improved connectivity between cities will make suburban and emerging areas more accessible, increasing demand for residential and commercial properties along the railway corridor.

Neighborhoods near stations—such as those in Sharjah, Al Dhaid, or Fujairah—are likely to see increased interest from both investors and homebuyers due to the reduced commuting time to economic hubs like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This development will also encourage mixed-use real estate projects, transit-oriented developments, and higher occupancy rates in areas that were previously considered distant.

Moreover, by connecting the UAE to Oman and Saudi Arabia, Etihad Rail opens up opportunities for cross-border real estate investments and enhanced tourism infrastructure. Real estate developers, investors, and property buyers will benefit from the increased regional integration and the emergence of new growth corridors.

Final Thoughts

Etihad Rail is not just a transportation project—it is a national infrastructure milestone that will redefine travel, commerce, and development in the UAE. By dramatically reducing travel times, promoting sustainability, and stimulating real estate activity across emirates, the passenger railway system is poised to become a cornerstone of the country’s long-term urban and economic vision.

Stay tuned for more updates as 2026 approaches and the UAE prepares to welcome the future of rail travel.