The Etihad Rail passenger service has accomplished a profitable pre-launch check journey from Dubai to Fujairah, bringing the UAE one step nearer to launching its first intercity passenger rail community in 2026.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Overseas Commerce, joined Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, and a senior delegation of officers for the milestone journey, which coated the primary section of the route from Al Qudra in Dubai to Fujairah.
As soon as operational, the service will join 11 cities throughout the UAE, from Al Sila within the west to Fujairah on the east coast, marking a significant leap in nationwide connectivity and mobility.
Etihad Rail UAE on observe
The Etihad Rail passenger service will complement the nation’s rising freight community, which is projected to maneuver greater than 60m tonnes yearly by 2030.
By integrating passenger and freight operations, the railway will improve nationwide logistics effectivity, enhance accessibility between key locations, and cut back strain on the nation’s highways.
Etihad Rail initiatives that every practice will carry as much as 400 passengers, with annual ridership reaching 36.5m by 2030.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi stated: “The launch of Etihad Rail’s passenger providers will signify a essential step in our efforts to increase and improve the UAE’s transport community.
“This landmark infrastructure mission is already expediting the motion of products and supplies between industrial zones, ports and transport hubs, and can now additionally present passenger providers to allow higher connectivity for our inhabitants and, in doing so, help sustainable financial growth and cut back dangerous emissions.”
He emphasised that the mission aligns carefully with the UAE’s net-zero by 2050 technique, supporting each sustainability and financial diversification goals.
Connectivity milestone
Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, stated: “We have been honoured to welcome Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and showcase Etihad Rail’s passenger service, which marks a brand new milestone in our journey, pushed by the imaginative and prescient of our sensible management and underneath the management of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail.
“This mission displays Etihad Rail’s dedication to advancing an built-in transport community that enhances connectivity throughout the UAE and helps the transition in the direction of a extra sustainable and environment friendly way forward for mobility.”
Malak added that preparations for the 2026 industrial launch are progressing quickly, with security testing and infrastructure commissioning already underway.
Connecting ports, cities, and industries
The Etihad Rail community spans 900km, connecting Ghuwaifat to Fujairah and linking key ports, together with Khalifa Port, Jebel Ali Port, and Ruwais Port.
The system streamlines the motion of products from most important entry factors to industrial zones, enabling producers to distribute output effectively throughout world provide chains.
Etihad Rail will improve nationwide commerce, help industries, and empower communities by means of higher connectivity by combining its freight and passenger capabilities.
Because the UAE continues its investments in superior infrastructure, the Etihad Rail mission underscores the nation’s dedication to innovation, regional integration, and a low-carbon financial system.
By changing hundreds of thousands of street journeys and enhancing freight effectivity, the community will cut back emissions, reduce journey occasions, and help financial development throughout each emirate.
