The UAE’s most ambitious infrastructure project, Etihad Rail, is preparing to welcome its first passengers in 2026. The 1,200km railway network, which will eventually connect all seven emirates and 11 key cities and regions, is one of the largest developments of its kind in the region.
While freight operations are already in motion, the passenger component has remained eagerly anticipated. A recent meeting between HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and Etihad Rail officials has offered the clearest timeline yet. According to Etihad Rail’s announcement, passenger services are now set to launch next year.
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Led by HE Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, the May briefing detailed the latest updates on the project’s progress. While the full rail network is not expected to be completely operational until closer to 2030, the start of passenger service in 2026 will mark a significant milestone in the UAE’s public transportation evolution.
Once completed, Etihad Rail will run from Al Sila, near the Saudi border, to Fujairah on the east coast, offering an efficient and sustainable alternative to road and air travel. The network will feature stops in major urban centres and is expected to transform both daily commutes and long-distance travel across the country.
Although timelines on megaprojects of this scale are always subject to change, the 2026 goal is a promising sign of what’s to come.
