What Etihad Rail Passenger Train Journey Will Be Like: 5 Things UAE Residents Can Expect

2026-02-25 11:18:41

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Stretching from Al Hilal City in Fujairah to Sila in Abu Dhabi, close to the country's border with Saudi Arabia, the Etihad Rail is expected to transport 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030

PUBLISHED: Thu 26 Feb 2026, 5:00 AM UPDATED: Thu 26 Feb 2026, 8:16 AM

By:
Nasreen Abdulla

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If UAE residents were asked what one of their most awaited moments of 2026 is, many will have one answer: the launch of Etihad Rail's passenger services.

The country's national rail network is nearing its launch and will connect several parts of the UAE seamlessly. Stretching from Al Hilal City in Fujairah to Sila in Abu Dhabi, close to the country's border with Saudi Arabia, the Etihad Rail is expected to transport 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030.

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On Tuesday, the rail network released more information on what the passenger services will look like. Here are five things people can expect when the trains start running later this year:

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1. Guaranteed seating

According to the company, all passengers will have guaranteed seating inside the train.

It is not yet clear how the ticketing system will work, but at last year's Global Rail conference in Abu Dhabi, a spokesperson said passengers will be able to book their tickets in advance or buy them at the station from a ticket vending machine. Earlier, it was announced that the trains will have business and economy classes that offer a comfortable travel experience.

2. Timeliness

Running at speeds of 200kmph, the trains will follow a consistent time schedule, making it easy for passengers to plan their daily lives, including travelling to work around it.

According to a press release by Etihad Rail, the network will connect 11 cities and areas that“have been carefully selected within key locations such as Mohammed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, University City in Sharjah and the Al Hilal area in Fujairah.”

3. On board facilities

With onboard Wi-Fi and power at every seat, the travel experience on the rail network will be seamless and convenient. The train will also have a dedicated luggage space and is also expected to have catering and hospitality facilities. According to a spokesperson, ten out of the 13 trains in the fleet have already arrived in the UAE and have been tested and certified.

4. Beautiful views

One of the most iconic features of the train trip will be the views of beautiful landscapes throughout the UAE. The network will take passengers across through desert towns, coastal communities, cultural centres, and emerging destinations, like the Almaha forests and Hajar mountains.

Last year, Azza AlSuwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility described it as a“lovely experience” to ride the train, saying it offered glimpses of scenery of the dunes and the desert.

5. Peaceful journey

With family seating area and spacious interiors, the train is expected to offer a peaceful journey to all its travellers. With no traffic issues and beautiful views, the company claims it will give families an opportunity to reconnect with each other.

Meanwhile, business travellers can unwind or catch up with work during their trip. Each train is expected to accommodate up to 400 passengers.

As more details emerge about the national rail network, there is no doubt that Etihad Rail will transform transportation in the country.