Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, took a historic ride on the Etihad Rail passenger train from Dubai to Fujairah, marking a key milestone ahead of its 2025 launch. The ambitious rail network will connect 11 cities across the UAE, with trains reaching speeds of 200kmph and aiming to serve 36 million passengers annually by 2030.
Quick Summary
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Route: Dubai to Fujairah (part of the 900km national network)
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Speed: Up to 200kmph
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Launch: 2025 (passenger service)
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2030 Goal: 36 million passengers yearly
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Key Cities Connected: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and more
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Stations Confirmed: Sakamkam (Fujairah) & Sharjah’s University City
A Transformative National Project
Sheikh Mohammed’s Historic Ride
Sheikh Mohammed shared photos of his journey on X (formerly Twitter), praising the project’s progress:
“Proud of our national projects… proud of the Etihad Rail team… and proud of a country that never stops working.”
During the visit, he was briefed by Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, on the network’s development—from its 2021 announcement under the ‘Projects of the 50’ to its 2023 freight operations launch.
Which Cities Will Etihad Rail Connect
The passenger rail network will span 11 key locations, including
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Sharjah
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Fujairah
- Al Ain
- Ghuweifat (near Saudi border)
- Sohar, Oman (via Hafeet Rail)
Where Will the Stations Be Located
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Fujairah: Sakamkam Station
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Sharjah: University City Station
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Dubai: Potential station near Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro
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Abu Dhabi: Near Dalma Mall, close to Mussafah bus station
Why Does This Matter
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Faster Travel
Dubai to Fujairah in under 50 minutes (vs. ~2 hours by car)
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Economic Boost
Enhanced trade and tourism links
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Sustainability
Reducing carbon emissions with efficient rail transport
FAQs
Q. When will Etihad Rail’s passenger service start?
Ans: Expected in 2025, with full operations scaling up by 2030.
Q. How fast will the trains go?
Ans: Maximum speed of 200kmph, making it one of the fastest in the region.
Q. Will Etihad Rail connect to other GCC countries?
Ans: Yes! The Hafeet Rail project will link the UAE to Sohar, Oman, and future expansions could include Saudi Arabia.
Final Thoughts
The Etihad Rail passenger service marks a transformative leap for the UAE, bringing faster, greener, and more efficient travel to millions. With Sheikh Mohammed’s trial ride signaling its imminent launch, the project is set to redefine transportation across all seven emirates—slashing travel times, boosting economic ties, and supporting sustainability goals.
As the UAE prepares for the 2025 rollout, anticipation builds for a rail network that will seamlessly connect 11 cities, enhance regional trade, and offer a world-class commuting experience. The journey from vision to reality reflects the nation’s relentless drive toward progress—one rail track at a time.
