UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed takes first passenger ride on Etihad Rail between Dubai and Fujairah
In a significant step toward reshaping the UAE's transportation landscape, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, travelled aboard a passenger train between Dubai and Fujairah.
This symbolic journey marks a critical phase in the Etihad Rail project, one of the most ambitious rail networks in the world, laying the groundwork for full passenger operations by 2026.
Sheikh Mohammed's journey and the national vision
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared photos on X of his journey aboard the Etihad Rail passenger train between Dubai and Fujairah, calling it a memorable ride. He was welcomed by a delegation from Etihad Rail led by Chief Business Support Officer Saeed AlAhbabi, along with several senior company executives.
During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the project's progress and key construction milestones. Speaking about Etihad Rail, he said:
'Etihad Rail is a vital economic artery that supports the UAE's journey to the future. It is a key pillar in our vision to build an integrated transport network that strengthens the UAE's position as a leading logistics hub, while facilitating the movement of people and goods.'
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He described it as one of the country's most significant infrastructure projects, with far-reaching economic, social, and developmental benefits that enhance connectivity and support national goals. He noted that the project reflects the spirit of the Union and contributes to sustainability, integration, and quality of life across all emirates.
The passenger service is expected to begin commercial operations in 2026.
Project Scope and Network Overview
Etihad Rail is a 1,200km-long national railway infrastructure project designed to connect key regions across the UAE and extend outward to neighbouring countries. With an investment of AED 40 billion (approximately $11 billion), the network will transport both freight and passengers, linking the Gulf coast with the Indian Ocean.
The network will ultimately span the country from Ghuweifat on the Saudi border to Fujairah on the eastern coast. The western section connects to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat, while the eastern extension links Oman through Al Ain. It traverses vital strategic locations including:
Abu Dhabi
Dubai
Sharjah
Ras Al Khaimah
Fujairah
Al Ain
Ruwais
Al Mirfa
Al Dhaid
Ghuweifat
Sohar (Oman, via the Hafeet Rail project)
The railway system is being built in two phases:
Phase One
, inaugurated in 2016, is freight-focused and currently facilitates the transport of granulated sulphur from Al Dhafra to Ruwais.
Phase Two
, initiated in 2020, expands the network for passenger travel and extends freight connectivity, including a key line between the
Khalifa Port
freight terminal and Abu Dhabi.
The network connects industrial hubs, raw material sources, ports, and major urban centres.
Key nodes include Khalifa Port, KIZAD, Jebel Ali Port, and various inland cities, facilitating an integrated logistics and transport framework for the UAE and beyond.
Passenger eail, A new era of mobility
Scheduled to launch commercial operations in 2026, the Etihad Rail passenger service represents a major leap forward in public transportation. It will provide a fast, reliable, and sustainable alternative to road and air travel, with trains expected to operate at speeds of up to 200 km/hr.
The passenger rail will stretch approximately 900km, connecting 11 key cities and regions across all seven emirates, including:
Al Sila
Ghuweifat
Ruwais
Al Mirfa
Abu Dhabi
Al Dhaid
Dubai
Sharjah
Ras Al Khaimah
Fujairah
Al Ain
Trains will initially operate through four major stations: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. Each train will be capable of accommodating up to 400 passengers, with annual ridership expected to reach 36.5 million by 2030.
The design emphasizes passenger comfort and efficiency, promising reduced travel times and improved access across the country.
As part of the UAE's broader goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, the rail system is built with sustainability at its core, offering a green alternative to road transport and helping to reduce the nation's carbon footprint.
The passenger service is also expected to improve daily mobility, boost tourism and regional development, strengthen social ties across emirates, and support the UAE's broader logistics strategy.
Leadership commitment and strategic significance
His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, highlighted the importance of Sheikh Mohammed's involvement, noting:
'We had the honour of hosting His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum aboard a passenger train journey between the emirates of Dubai and Fujairah. This exemplifies the unwavering commitment of the UAE's visionary leadership to support national projects that propel the progress of our nation.'
He emphasized Sheikh Mohammed's integral role in the project's evolution, from its inclusion in the 'Projects of the 50' initiative in 2021 to the recent inauguration of the national freight network in 2023:
'Today, we stand on the cusp of a transformative era in the UAE's transportation landscape and take immense pride in and deeply appreciate the support we have received for this national project,'
he said, emphasizing the project's role in strengthening connectivity and boosting the nation's economic integration.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's visit to the Etihad Rail passenger train highlights his direct involvement in key infrastructure projects that connect the entire country and support the UAE's development plans.
Last week, he made an unannounced visit to a Dubai Tram station, riding the tram and engaging directly with commuters to assess public transport services firsthand. This follows a similar visit in 2023, when he quietly rode the Dubai Metro. Together, These visits exemplify his hands-on approach to leadership and governance, reflecting a familiar and consistent commitment to staying connected with developments on the ground.
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