Overview

• Etihad Rail said the national passenger service is on track for 2026, linking 11 cities from Al Sila to Fujairah via Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Al Dhaid.
• Published journey times include Abu Dhabi–Dubai in 57 minutes, Abu Dhabi–Fujairah in 105 minutes and Abu Dhabi–Al Ruwais in 70 minutes.
• Each train is designed for about 400 passengers with multiple daily services and a digital‑first ticketing system, and the company also outlined a separate 350 km/h Abu Dhabi–Dubai high‑speed plan with roughly 30‑minute trips and an estimated AED 145 billion long‑term GDP contribution.
• Passenger lines will be fully separated from roads to enhance safety, with first‑ and last‑mile integration through local transport providers, municipalities and technology platforms.
• The GCC ministerial council approved December 2030 as the completion target for the 2,117‑km Gulf Railway, specifying passenger speeds above 200 km/h and freight at 80–120 km/h with links to ports and logistics hubs.