A historic step in the UAE’s transport future took place as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, rode a passenger train between Dubai and Fujairah, reviewing progress on the Etihad Rail project.
Set to begin commercial operations in 2026, the passenger service will connect 11 cities and regions across the country, from Al Sila in Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, with trains reaching speeds of 200kph. The network will link key hubs in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, reducing travel times and enhancing mobility for citizens, residents, and visitors.
Designed to carry up to 400 passengers per trip, the service is expected to achieve 36.5 million passenger trips annually by 2030. Officials say it will boost tourism, cut congestion, strengthen economic ties, and support the UAE’s net-zero ambitions.
The journey reflects His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s personal commitment to ensuring national projects deliver lasting benefits, bringing communities closer, improving quality of life, and setting a new benchmark for sustainable travel in the region.