Etihad Rail has unveiled the exact locations of the first 11 stations for its upcoming passenger service, set to begin operations later this year. The 900km rail network will connect 11 cities across all seven emirates, providing a fast and efficient travel option for commuters and tourists alike. The service is planned to launch in 2026, with stations opening in phases throughout the year. Most of the new station locations are in Abu Dhabi, with one confirmed station in Sharjah and the first station in Dubai officially announced.
The newly announced stations include key locations such as Al Dhaid in Sharjah, Al Dhannah, Al Faya, Al Sila, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezairaa, and Mohammed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, plus Al Hilal in Fujairah and University City in Sharjah. The Dubai station will be located at Jumeirah Golf Estates, strategically placed along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road with close connectivity to Dubai Metro for easy access to the city’s wider transport network.
These stations will support the national vision of improving connectivity across the UAE and advancing the transport sector. The rail line will link major cities and regions, enabling faster travel between emirates. Once fully operational, the passenger service will cut travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to around 50 minutes, and Dubai to Fujairah to just 50 minutes as well. Future high-speed rail plans could reduce travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to as little as 30 minutes, with trains reaching speeds of up to 350km/h.
Etihad Rail has confirmed that the passenger service will run at a maximum speed of 200 km/h across all emirates, with a long-term target of transporting 36 million passengers annually by 2030. The introduction of feeder buses and taxi services is also being coordinated to ensure seamless last-mile connectivity for commuters at the main Dubai station. This development marks a major step forward in UAE transportation, making travel between emirates faster, more comfortable, and more reliable.