Dubai, UAE, February 3, 2026: The future of travel in the UAE has reached a major milestone today. The authorities have selected 11 Etihad Rail stations as their first official station sites. The national passenger rail project received a significant advancement through this announcement. The 900-kilometer network will soon connect the entire country from the Saudi border to the east coast. Starting in 2026, residents and tourists will experience a new travel method that provides them with faster and more comfortable transportation between the emirates.
11 Confirmed Passenger Stations
The passenger network will feature 11 strategically located Etihad Rail stations. The stations will connect important residential areas, industrial zones, and tourist destinations, which spread across all seven emirates. The station provides visitors with modern facilities, which include digital ticket systems and direct access to bus and taxi services.
Here are the 11 confirmed Etihad Rail stations:
- Mohammed Bin Zayed City (Abu Dhabi) – Located near Dalma Mall, serving as the capital’s main hub.
- Jumeirah Golf Estates (Dubai) – Positioned along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road with links to the Dubai Metro.
- University City (Sharjah) – Serving students and residents near Sharjah International Airport.
- Al Hilal (Fujairah) – The eastern anchor of the line, providing access to the scenic coast.
- Al Sila (Abu Dhabi) – A strategic western station located near the Saudi Arabian border.
- Al Dhannah (Abu Dhabi) – Formerly known as Ruwais, this is a major industrial and economic center.
- Al Mirfa (Abu Dhabi) – A beautiful coastal town station in the Al Dhafra region.
- Madinat Zayed (Abu Dhabi) – An important administrative and industrial heartland in Al Dhafra.
- Mezaira’a (Abu Dhabi) – The gateway to the stunning Liwa Oasis and deep desert landscapes.
- Al Faya (Abu Dhabi) – A vital transit point located between Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and Dubai.
- Al Dhaid (Sharjah) – A key connection point within the central region of the Sharjah emirate.
Faster Commutes and World-Class Onboard Features
The new Etihad Rail stations will create shorter travel times, which will benefit all parts of the UAE. The standard train service between Abu Dhabi and Dubai will complete the journey in 57 minutes. The upcoming high-speed service will reduce the trip duration between two points to 30 minutes. The travel time from Dubai to Fujairah will take 50 minutes, which allows people to do weekend trips to Fujairah more easily.
The Etihad Rail stations offer passengers a luxurious experience, which starts when they board the train. The train system operates with 13 trains which cantransport 400 passengers at once. The train system offers travelers three different seating options, which include First Class, Family Class, and Economy Class. Every seat will feature Wi-Fi and power outlets for your devices and plenty of legroom. The trains use advanced air-conditioning systems, which provide passengers with cool air during desert conditions.
The project has already seen 24.5 million working hours from over 7,000 experts. The construction process has reached its final stages while the team conducts testing procedures and safety tests. The official launch of passenger services at these Etihad Rail stations is expected later this year. The rail network will bring fundamental changes to how residents in the UAE operate their daily lives and professional activities. Prepare yourself to enter a future of travel that provides high speed and security, together with eco-friendly practices.
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