Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inspects the Etihad Rail station on January 30, 2026. WAM

Passenger train services in the UAE are set to become a reality in 2026, as Etihad Rail officials confirmed preparations are well underway. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan chaired a meeting of Etihad Rail’s Board of Directors at the Abu Dhabi passenger station in Mohammed bin Zayed City on Friday (January 30), where updates were reviewed on the national rail network and upcoming passenger operations. The first phase of passenger services will connect 11 cities and key hubs across the UAE. Stations are being developed in Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a, Al Faya and Al Dhaid, in addition to four major stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah. Residents can expect modern, comfortable train travel supported by a fleet of 13 state-of-the-art trains built to international standards. The passenger rail network will form the UAE’s first fully integrated national railway system for passenger transport. The service aims to strengthen connectivity between emirates while offering a safe and reliable alternative to road travel for citizens, residents and tourists. During the visit, Sheikh Theyab and board members toured one of the passenger trains to review its interior design and onboard features. They also inspected construction progress at the Mohammed bin Zayed City station, which features distinctive architecture and is strategically located within a rapidly growing residential area. Once operational, the passenger network is expected to stimulate economic growth, support tourism and enhance urban development around station areas. Freight services, which began in 2023, have already shown strong results. In 2025 alone, Etihad Rail transported more than 6.5 million tonnes of sulphur, over 10 million tonnes of aggregates and 148,000 containers. Rail transport eliminated more than 500,000 truck journeys in the Al Dhafra Region, contributing to safer roads and reduced emissions. The board also reviewed progress on the UAE–Oman joint railway project, Hafeet Rail. The cross-border network has reached 30 percent completion and is expected to further strengthen trade and passenger movement between the two countries once finished. Sheikh Theyab emphasised the importance of Etihad Rail’s role in advancing safe and sustainable transport solutions while reinforcing the UAE’s regional and global standing. ICA/Expat Media
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