Photo: Shutterstock The Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai's Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, inaugurated the inaugural phase of the Etihad Rail passenger train, a strategic transportation project poised to reshape connectivity across the Emirates. During a special field tour, Sheikh Mohammed boarded the train from Dubai to Fujairah and praised the remarkable progress achieved to date.
Sheikh Mohammed described Etihad Rail as a "vital economic artery in the UAE's journey to the future," emphasizing the project's key role in establishing an integrated transportation network to bolster the country's status as a leading global logistics hub.
The passenger train, expected to commence commercial operations in 2026, will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, from Al Sila in the West to Fujairah in the East, reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h.
The railway is forecasted to transport approximately 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030.
The rail lines will provide direct and swift connections between urban centers, communities, and other transportation infrastructures, enhancing accessibility, dramatically cutting travel times, and strengthening social and economic bonds among the Emirates.
Beyond transportation, the project supports the UAE's development goals, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and the integration of transport, community, and tourism. The train journey will offer an innovative, safe, and comfortable experience, featuring state-of-the-art coaches, advanced services, and adherence to the highest operational and environmental standards.
Main stations are currently being constructed in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, anticipated to become pivotal centers of public transport activity in the Emirates.
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed, Chairman of Etihad Rail and son of the Crown Prince, accompanied Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on the visit and remarked that it was a defining moment for national transportation: "The project symbolizes the spirit of union and supports the economic ambitions of the country. It strengthens community connections, contributes to domestic tourism, and creates diverse employment opportunities."
Sheikh Mohammed's visit, hailed by the Etihad Rail team as "historic and inspiring," underscores the leadership's commitment to personally spearheading strategic projects and the UAE's aspiration to become a global model of smart, accessible, and sustainable transport.