Etihad Rail to Cut Travel Time Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to 25 Minutes by 2026
The UAE's long-awaited Etihad Rail passenger service is set to launch in 2026, promising to redefine domestic travel with dramatically reduced journey times, modern amenities, and scenic routes across the Emirates.
Test rides are already showcasing the speed and comfort commuters can expect, with early footage revealing a 25-minute ride between Abu Dhabi and Dubai—less than a third of the usual 90-minute drive. What you can expect on board
Each train will accommodate approximately 400 passengers and feature both business and economy class compartments. Inside, light grey seats are arranged in clusters of four, with a shared table and overhead luggage racks. A built-in screen displays real-time travel information, including route progress, speed, time, and outside temperature—enhancing the travel experience with both comfort and convenience.
Early glimpses from recent test journeys hint at a service designed for both leisure and efficiency. Although not yet confirmed, parts of the train display Adnoc Oasis branding, sparking speculation that travellers may eventually be able to purchase food and drinks from the well-known convenience store brand while on board. A faster way to explore the UAE
In a recent video, Sarah Luqman, a destination marketer and member of the National Experts Programme (NEP), shared her experience riding the train from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah. According to her, the Abu Dhabi to Dubai segment took just 25 minutes, followed by around 90 minutes from Dubai to Fujairah. The trip, she said, offered 'seamless comfort, world-class service, and breathtaking views through the heart of the UAE.'
The NEP journey was part of a session held in Fujairah, and included a group of participants riding the train before its public launch. The programme is a government initiative aimed at empowering specialists to help shape key sectors of the UAE's future. Scenic views and modern infrastructure
Etihad Rail's route is designed to give passengers a unique window into the UAE's natural beauty. Riders can expect views of desert landscapes, Almaha forests, and the mountains of Fujairah—scenery often missed when travelling by car.
Engineer Kholoud Al Mazrouei, speaking about the project, highlighted the experience as one of the train's biggest attractions. 'You can see several landmarks in the UAE that you would not be able to if you are travelling by car,'
she said.
To support the rollout, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed key infrastructure works, including a three-lane flyover on Al Yalayis Street. The project ensures that the movement of trains and vehicles remains completely separated, helping to maintain smooth flow and enhance road safety.
Although Etihad Rail has previously been used for select passenger trips—including a 2023 journey by Sultan Al Jaber and ADNOC leadership—the full public service is expected to roll out in 2026. The rail network will eventually link all major cities in the UAE, supporting the country's broader goals of sustainable transport, economic development, and regional connectivity.
As anticipation builds, the Etihad Rail service is shaping up to be more than just a transit upgrade—it's a step forward in how residents and visitors experience the UAE.
News Source: Khaleej Times
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
8 hours ago
- Gulf Today
UAE is pressing ahead with a slate of infrastructure projects
Staff Reporter, Gulf Today UAE's authorities are fast-tracking enhancements to the country's transport network, signaling an open window for investors seeking early exposure to the next wave of growth Dubai: While the summer season is usually a quieter period for financial markets due to widespread investor holidays, global sentiment remains overshadowed by persistent geopolitical tensions this summer. Escalating concerns over US tariff measures and the intensifying Israel–Iran conflict have cast a pall over risk appetite, driving cautious investor positioning and heightened market volatility. Yet, against this backdrop of global unease, the United Arab Emirates is pressing ahead with an ambitious slate of infrastructure projects, using the relative calm of the summer months to accelerate key developments. With lighter traffic during the holiday stretch, authorities are fast-tracking enhancements to the country's transport network, signaling an open window for investors seeking early exposure to the next wave of growth. Major infrastructure initiatives are underway to strengthen both east–west and north–south connectivity across the emirates through new roads and metro extensions. In Dubai, upgrades to Hessa Street and the expansion of the Metro network with the Blue Line are pivotal undertakings aimed at easing congestion and linking emerging residential and commercial hubs. Meanwhile, the landmark Etihad Rail project is progressing steadily, ultimately set to integrate all seven emirates with a modern rail link, opening new avenues for investment in real estate and infrastructure equity. Adding to the skyline's evolution, Dubai Creek Harbour is constructing what is projected to become the tallest tower in the world, surpassing the iconic Burj Khalifa. In tandem, Dubai South continues to evolve as the city's future primary aviation center with the forthcoming Al Maktoum International Airport, cementing the UAE's role as a regional transport and logistics powerhouse. 'These transformative projects are expected to cut travel times by more than 75%' said Razan Hilal, Market Analyst, CMT at adding 'they will boost connectivity across burgeoning districts, laying the groundwork for robust property market performance, economic diversification, and sustainable urban planning for decades to come.' Several publicly listed companies like DEWA, Union Properties, Tabreed, and Salik stand to benefit directly from this wave of development, each playing a strategic role in energy, cooling, real estate, and road toll management respectively. However, despite this local momentum, the MSCI UAE Index has shed over 7% this month, reflecting broader concerns over dollar weakness and geopolitical turmoil. Leading developers such as Emaar Properties (DFM: EMAAR) have seen share price corrections of around 5%, underscoring the cautious tone prevailing among regional investors. 'While short-term volatility persists due to external shocks, the UAE's commitment to long-term national development plans - Vision 2025, 2030, and 2040 - suggests that current market dips may present strategic entry points for long-term investors', observes Hilal. She adds: 'Amid this climate, portfolio diversification remains prudent. Commodities like oil continue to serve as a hedge against supply disruptions in the region, while gold and silver retain their appeal as safe-haven assets, particularly relevant as industrial demand for silver expands in the technology sector. Overall, while global headwinds pose challenges, the UAE's clear focus on future-ready infrastructure and urban resilience reinforces its appeal as a steady beacon of opportunity for investors looking beyond short-term volatility. StoneX Group Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates a global financial services network that connects companies, organizations, traders and investors to the global market ecosystem through a unique blend of digital platforms, end-to-end clearing and execution services, high touch service and deep expertise. The company strives to be the one trusted partner to its clients, providing its network, product and services to allow them to pursue trading opportunities, manage their market risks, make investments and improve their business performance. A Fortune 100 company with a nearly 100-year track record, StoneX Group Inc. serves more than 50,000 commercial, institutional and payments clients, and more than 370,000 retail accounts, from nearly 80 offices across six continents.
Filipino Times
17 hours ago
- Filipino Times
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro station upgrade announced
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station will undergo a major expansion to serve more passengers in the coming years. Once completed, the station's capacity will jump from 7,250 to 12,320 passengers per hour, a 65% boost. Its daily capacity will reach up to 220,000 passengers per day. The project, in partnership with Emaar Properties, will increase the station's size from 6,700 square meters to 8,500 square meters. This will allow the station to handle the growing number of visitors, especially during busy seasons like New Year's Eve and national holidays, His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said. 'The station is the best and easiest option for residents and visitors to and from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall area, especially during New Year's celebrations and during holidays, occasions and national holidays. The station's expansion aims to accommodate the continuous growth in the number of passengers, and the expected increase until 2040,' H.E. Al Tayer said. He added that the expansion will help serve the continuous rise in passengers, noting that more than 110,000 people use the station during New Year's celebrations alone. From 2013 to 2024, yearly passengers rose from 6.13 million to over 10.5 million. Meanwhile, Daily passenger loads have risen from 43,000 in 2019 to nearly 58,000 this year. Al Tayer explained that the upgrade includes bigger entrances, wider platforms, more stairs and elevators, separate entry and exit gates, more ticket gates, and added areas for shops to increase revenue. New pedestrian bridges and better connections with buses, bicycles, and scooters are also part of the plan. The station's shell-shaped design will stay the same, with improvements for safety and easier movement for passengers, including people with disabilities, seniors, and families with strollers. Ground-level entrances will connect directly with public transport and pedestrian paths.
Khaleej Times
18 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE infrastructure stocks likely to boom as country embarks on ambitious projects
While the summer season is usually a quieter period for financial markets due to widespread investor holidays, global sentiment remains overshadowed by persistent geopolitical tensions this summer. Escalating concerns over US tariff measures and the intensifying Israel–Iran conflict, with US entering the war on Sunday, have cast a pall over risk appetite, driving cautious investor positioning and heightened market volatility. Yet, against this backdrop of global unease, the UAE is pressing ahead with an ambitious slate of infrastructure projects, using the relative calm of the summer months to accelerate key developments. With lighter traffic during the holiday stretch, authorities are fast-tracking enhancements to the country's transport network, signaling an open window for investors seeking early exposure to the next wave of growth. Major infrastructure initiatives are underway to strengthen both east–west and north–south connectivity across the emirates through new roads and metro extensions. In Dubai, upgrades to Hessa Street and the expansion of the Metro network with the Blue Line are pivotal undertakings aimed at easing congestion and linking emerging residential and commercial hubs. Meanwhile, the landmark Etihad Rail project is progressing steadily, ultimately set to integrate all seven emirates with a modern rail link, opening new avenues for investment in real estate and infrastructure equity. Adding to the skyline's evolution, Dubai Creek Harbour is constructing what is projected to become the tallest tower in the world, surpassing the iconic Burj Khalifa. In tandem, Dubai South continues to evolve as the city's future primary aviation center with the forthcoming Al Maktoum International Airport, cementing the UAE's role as a regional transport and logistics powerhouse. 'These transformative projects are expected to cut travel times by more than 75 per cent' says Razan Hilal, Market Analyst, CMT at adding 'they will boost connectivity across burgeoning districts, laying the groundwork for robust property market performance, economic diversification, and sustainable urban planning for decades to come.' 'While short-term volatility persists due to external shocks, the UAE's commitment to long-term national development plans - Vision 2025, 2030, and 2040 - suggests that current market dips may present strategic entry points for long-term investors', observes Hilal. She adds: 'Amid this climate, portfolio diversification remains prudent. Commodities like oil continue to serve as a hedge against supply disruptions in the region, while gold and silver retain their appeal as safe-haven assets, particularly relevant as industrial demand for silver expands in the technology sector. Several publicly listed companies like Dewa, Union Properties, Tabreed and Salik stand to benefit directly from this wave of development, each playing a strategic role in energy, cooling, real estate, and road toll management respectively. However, despite this local momentum, the MSCI UAE Index has shed over 7 per cent this month, reflecting broader concerns over dollar weakness and geopolitical turmoil. Leading developers such as Emaar Properties have seen share price corrections of around 5 per cent, underscoring the cautious tone prevailing among regional investors. Overall, while global headwinds pose challenges, the UAE's clear focus on future-ready infrastructure and urban resilience reinforces its appeal as a steady beacon of opportunity for investors looking beyond short-term volatility.
