Etihad Rail—the United Arab Emirate’s first train network, set to eventually connect all seven emirates and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—is gearing up to welcome its first passengers in 2026, as routes between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah become operational.
After several years of phased construction and testing, the project has entered its final pre-launch stage, with officials confirming that passenger services will begin rolling out later this year.
Following a series of announcements in late 2025 and early 2026, new details have now been confirmed around the final network footprint, station locations, journey times, launch routes, onboard experience, and ticketing. Here’s everything travelers need to know.
What’s the latest update on Etihad Rail? (January 2026)
The UAE’s first-ever national passenger train network is now firmly on the countdown to launch, with the initial passenger routes set to launch in 2026 officially confirmed. Speaking to The National, Azza Al Suwaidi, deputy chief executive of Etihad Rail Mobility, said the first phase will see trains operating between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as connecting east to Fujairah, with further routes, stations, and connections rolling out progressively through 2026.
The opening services will link Mohammed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, and Fujairah’s Al Hilal area, forming what Etihad Rail describes as the core spine of the national network.
By Keith J Fernandez and Scott Campbell
