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In a defining moment for the future of the UAE’s transportation, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, recently embarked on a journey aboard the Etihad Rail UAE passenger train from Dubai to Fujairah. This journey not only marked a symbolic step forward for the ambitious UAE national railway project but also highlighted the country’s growing commitment to sustainable development, national connectivity, and cutting-edge infrastructure.
Sharing his experience on X (formerly Twitter), Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the transformative potential of this project, which is designed to connect 11 key cities and regions across the UAE, from Al Sila in the western region of Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in the east. With passenger trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h, Etihad Rail is poised to revolutionize how people and goods move across the country.
A New Era of Connectivity Across the Emirates
The UAE railway network is not just about laying tracks; it’s about laying the foundation for a more connected, mobile, and integrated society. Etihad Rail UAE will link cities across the nation through a reliable, efficient, and high-speed transport corridor. It is designed to reduce travel time, ease road traffic, and improve environmental outcomes by significantly lowering carbon emissions.
Once operational, passengers traveling on the Dubai to Fujairah train route will experience unprecedented speed and comfort, with travel times between the two emirates expected to drop dramatically. According to Etihad Rail, the passenger service is engineered to deliver a comfortable and safe experience with travel time estimated to be under 1 hour, a game-changer for both commuters and tourists.
Etihad Rail Train Speed and Travel Time: What to Expect
A key highlight of the Etihad Rail passenger service is its speed. With trains reaching up to 200 km/h, travel across the UAE will be faster, more efficient, and much more environmentally friendly compared to car or bus travel. The Etihad Rail train will enable commuters to travel between emirates, such as Dubai and Fujairah, or Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, in under an hour, saving residents time and creating new opportunities for regional business and tourism.
This high-speed rail network will be equipped with advanced signaling, safety, and ticketing systems, ensuring a seamless user experience that rivals international standards.
How Etihad Rail Connects UAE Cities and Regions
One of the most ambitious features of the UAE national railway project is its scope. Once complete, the Etihad Rail cities connected will include:
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Sharjah
- Ajman
- Umm Al Quwain
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Fujairah
- Al Ain
- Al Sila
- Ruways
- Khor Fakkan
By linking these urban centers and regional hubs, Etihad Rail UAE will drastically improve accessibility, reduce travel time, and promote greater economic integration across all seven emirates.
Sheikh Mohammed’s Vision for UAE Transport Infrastructure
The involvement of Sheikh Mohammed in Etihad Rail sends a powerful message: this is a project of national importance. As a leader who has consistently championed innovation, connectivity, and infrastructure development, his support underscores the government’s belief in rail transport as a pillar of the UAE’s transport infrastructure of the future.
Sheikh Mohammed remarked that the railway line represents a strategic national achievement, one that supports the UAE’s economic growth, enhances quality of life, and brings the people of the nation even closer together.
Benefits of Etihad Rail for UAE Residents and Businesses
Beyond convenience and speed, the benefits of Etihad Rail for UAE residents are wide-ranging:
- Reduced road congestion and less stress for daily commuters
- Eco-friendly transport that contributes to the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 goals
- Safer travel with fewer road accidents
- A boost to real estate and tourism in cities connected by the railway.
- Job creation and long-term economic diversification
For businesses, the rail network will make logistics faster and more efficient, opening up new supply chain routes and reducing freight costs across the UAE.
High-Speed Train UAE: A Step Toward a Smarter Future
With the successful test ride from Dubai to Fujairah, the vision of a high-speed train in the UAE is no longer a distant dream; it’s a reality in progress. Etihad Rail is transforming the way the UAE moves, lives, and connects. By integrating sustainable technology, national unity, and long-term urban planning, the project is set to become one of the most impactful infrastructure developments in the country’s history.
As the country looks ahead to Expo 2031, the UAE railway network will serve as a critical link between innovation, accessibility, and regional development, fulfilling the aspirations of a nation building smartly for generations to come.
