Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, boarded an Etihad Rail passenger train from Dubai to Fujairah to inspect progress on the UAE’s first national rail passenger service.
The journey underscores the country’s commitment to delivering a sustainable, high-speed transport system connecting 11 cities—from Al Sila to Fujairah—expected to carry 36 million passengers annually by 2030. Passenger operations are due to begin in 2026, with trains operating at up to 200 km/h.
Leadership praise and strategic vision
Following the ride, Sheikh Mohammed posted on X:
“We have made the journey from Dubai to Fujairah on the Etihad Rail passenger train… The train will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE… with a speed of 200 km/h. It is expected to carry 36 million passengers annually by 2030.”
“I’m proud of our national projects. I’m proud of the Etihad Rail team led by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed. And I’m proud of a nation that never stops working — one that adds a new brick to its future infrastructure every single day.”
The ride, alongside a presentation of the rail’s engineering and ongoing construction, reflects a broader national ambition. According to project updates, the stimulus could bring AED 200 billion in economic gains over the next 50 years.
Rail service overview
The passenger network will initially connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, among other urban centres. It is part of Etihad Rail’s 900 km national freight and passenger system, launched in February 2023, which now covers all seven emirates.
Estimated travel times include approximately 57 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and 105 minutes to Fujairah, offering a more efficient alternative to road travel.
Annual ridership is projected to reach 36 million by 2030, facilitating both daily commutes and tourism growth.
Connectivity and economic impact
The Etihad Rail passenger project is expected to fuel economic diversification through:
- Faster city-to-city connectivity
- Reduced road congestion and emissions
- Enhanced logistics and tourism opportunities
Public leadership describes the rail system as a “national ambition” and a future backbone of UAE infrastructure. During a Cabinet meeting in February 2025, Sheikh Mohammed described the service — capable of 350 km/h in future high-speed phases — as a transformative infrastructure milestone with expected economic returns exceeding AED 145 billion (USD 39.4 billion) over 50 years.
Etihad Rail’s passenger operations are set to begin in 2026, complementing its operational freight service. By 2030, the dual freight and passenger system aims to support the UAE’s climate goals—reducing transportation emissions by up to 21% annually.
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