Abu Dhabi: Commuting between cities in the UAE will be a breeze, thanks to the high-speed Etihad Rail.
Etihad Rail, UAE's first intercity rail project, has revealed the travel times for passenger trains across the country. The journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will take only 57 minutes compared to more than two hours in a car. It will take only 70 minutes to cover 240 km distance from Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais. Trips from Abu Dhabi to the eastern emirate of Fujairah will take 105 minutes. The authorities will soon unveil more destinations and timings.
- Three routes timings
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai: 57 minutes
Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais: 70 minutes
Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: 105 minutes
In a statement shared on its social media channels, Etihad Rail confirmed that travel times for additional destinations will be disclosed in due course. Although a launch date for the passenger services is yet to be revealed, here’s everything you need to know about the expected journey times and the latest updates on the highly anticipated project.
Passenger trains will travel at up to 200 kph and have space for up to 400 passengers. Officials have said they expect more than 36 million people a year to use the service by 2030.
11 cities connection
The 900km Etihad Rail network will span the UAE, connecting 11 cities from Al Sila in the western region of Abu Dhabi to Fujairah on the east coast. Key stops along the way include Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, and Al Dhaid.
These trains will reach speeds of up to 200 km/h, significantly reducing commute times by 30 to 40 per cent compared to other transport options. Each train can accommodate up to 400 passengers and will be equipped with Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and a variety of food and beverage choices.
While official launch dates for passenger operations are yet to be confirmed, Etihad Rail has been running freight services since 2023. This freight network connects major maritime ports and industrial zones across the emirates, including Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali Port in Dubai.
First glimpse
UAE residents got the first glimpse into its highly anticipated passenger trains during the first rail journey between Abu Dhabi city and Al Dhannah region in January 2024. Videos and photos posted recently show the swanky train chugging through the desert railway line.
Interior of passenger train
UAE's high-tech passenger trains will have swanky coaches with stylish interiors and comfortable grey seats. The rail passenger service flaunts an aerodynamic design, a key feature of high-speed trains.
The coaches, in silver and grey, have different types of seating, similar to the flight classes. The seats are arranged in a 2+2 format across the coaches. Compartments are separated with electric doors, and TV screens display information, such as location and arrival times, in each section of the train.
The train will consist of 15 luxury carriages that will pass through the cosmopolitan cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, to the nature destinations of Fujairah, with its sheer mountains right on the border with Oman, and the Liwa desert, with its world-famous oasis, near Mezeiraa train station.
The rail project
The Dh50 billion UAE Railways Programme, launched in December 2021, is the largest integrated system for transporting goods and passengers across the country.
Nol card will be accepted
Once Eithad Rail passenger trains start their operations in the future, you will be able to use your nol card to travel across the UAE by rail. In February, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Etihad Rail signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop integrated ticket booking and fare payment solutions via the nol system.