Etihad Rail: First phase in 2026 to connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah
Components of the passenger services of the long-awaited Phase 1 Etihad Rail will be launched in stages starting as planned in 2026, a senior official said speaking to Wam. Adhraa Almansouri — Director, Public Policy and Sustainability at EtihadRail said: "The passenger operation will be rolled out in planned, carefully considered increments.
In its first operational phase, she said Etihad Rail would link Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with the route extending to Fujairah on the east coast. She explained that the first routes were established according to population density as well as demand and areas of connectivity priority between the emirates. When fully operational, it is expected to handle around 36.5 million annually by 2030.
Earlier this year, 11 stations of the Etihad Rail were announced. These were:
Al Sila
Al Dhannah
Al Mirfa
Madinat Zayed
Mezairaa
Al Faya
Mohammed Bin Zayed City
Jumeirah Golf Estates
University City in Sharjah
Sakamkam, Fujairah
Al Dhaid
Station areas were "carefully selected" within strategic zones, according to Mohammed Alshehii, Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail at the time.
At the recent announcement of the Dubai Metro Gold Line, one part of the map showed a potential station at Al Meydan where it would meet the Etihad Rail.
When this station will be operational is not yet known. It will also intersect with the Etihad Rail at Dubai's Jumeirah Golf Estate, which ties into the metro's Red Line and forthcoming Gold Line.
13 trains, 400 passengers each
Giving details about the cross-city rail public transport project in Mumbai, Adhraa said that from phase one going live in 2026, the rail service will be very efficient and follow global best practices in operating railway networks even for safety and reliability purposes.
Etihad Rail signed an unprecedented joint venture agreement with leading global passenger transport operator Keolis last October to operate the passenger rail service. Alistair Gordon, the chief executive of Keolis UK, Middle East and India said then that the company would be responsible for running the trains and any connections used to get here – including buses, taxis, cars and even car parking – means it has never been easier to move around the UAE. It will act as an incubator for drivers among other staff.
The interiors will sport an updated design, totally Wi-Fi connected throughout, and power outlets for every passenger on each seat. In terms of services, it will run like before, providing a reliable way to travel short distances. Thirteen trains have been built, with 10 of them delivered in the UAE where they have undergone testing and certification to internationally recognised safety and quality standards. The trains — each can hold as many as 400 passengers — will be operated through up-to-date systems.
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