The Etihad Rail passenger service has accomplished a profitable pre-launch take a look at journey from Dubai to Fujairah, bringing the UAE one step nearer to launching its first intercity passenger rail community in 2026.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Overseas Commerce, joined Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, and a senior delegation of officers for the milestone journey, which lined the primary section of the route from Al Qudra in Dubai to Fujairah.
As soon as operational, the service will join 11 cities throughout the UAE, from Al Sila within the west to Fujairah on the east coast, marking a serious leap in nationwide connectivity and mobility.
Etihad Rail UAE on monitor
The Etihad Rail passenger service will complement the nation’s rising freight community, which is projected to maneuver greater than 60m tonnes yearly by 2030.
By integrating passenger and freight operations, the railway will improve nationwide logistics effectivity, enhance accessibility between key locations, and cut back stress on the nation’s highways.
Etihad Rail tasks that every practice will carry as much as 400 passengers, with annual ridership reaching 36.5m by 2030.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi stated: “The launch of Etihad Rail’s passenger providers will signify a important step in our efforts to broaden and improve the UAE’s transport community.
“This landmark infrastructure undertaking is already expediting the motion of products and supplies between industrial zones, ports and transport hubs, and can now additionally present passenger providers to allow higher connectivity for our inhabitants and, in doing so, assist sustainable financial growth and cut back dangerous emissions.”
He emphasised that the undertaking aligns intently with the UAE’s net-zero by 2050 technique, supporting each sustainability and financial diversification aims.
Connectivity milestone
Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, stated: “We have been honoured to welcome Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and showcase Etihad Rail’s passenger service, which marks a brand new milestone in our journey, pushed by the imaginative and prescient of our sensible management and beneath the management of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail.
“This undertaking displays Etihad Rail’s dedication to advancing an built-in transport community that enhances connectivity throughout the UAE and helps the transition in direction of a extra sustainable and environment friendly way forward for mobility.”
Malak added that preparations for the 2026 industrial launch are progressing quickly, with security testing and infrastructure commissioning already underway.
Connecting ports, cities, and industries
The Etihad Rail community spans 900km, connecting Ghuwaifat to Fujairah and linking key ports, together with Khalifa Port, Jebel Ali Port, and Ruwais Port.
The system streamlines the motion of products from important entry factors to industrial zones, enabling producers to distribute output effectively throughout international provide chains.
Etihad Rail will improve nationwide commerce, assist industries, and empower communities by means of higher connectivity by combining its freight and passenger capabilities.
Because the UAE continues its investments in superior infrastructure, the Etihad Rail undertaking underscores the nation’s dedication to innovation, regional integration, and a low-carbon economic system.
By changing hundreds of thousands of street journeys and enhancing freight effectivity, the community will cut back emissions, lower journey instances, and assist financial progress throughout each emirate.
