By dubailife 
Etihad Rail to Revolutionize Travel Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai with High-Speed Passenger Trains
Imagine zooming from Abu Dhabi to Dubai at a speed of 200 km/h, bypassing the heavy traffic, and cutting down your travel time to just 57 minutes. What typically takes two hours will soon be reduced to under an hour, thanks to the upcoming Etihad Rail passenger service connecting the capital to Dubai and other emirates.
Etihad Rail has revealed travel times for its highly anticipated passenger trains, making journeys across the UAE faster and more convenient. For instance, the trip from Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais, a distance of 240 km, will take just 70 minutes. Likewise, a trip from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, known for its mountainous terrain, will take only 105 minutes. More destinations and schedules will be announced in the coming months, offering seamless connectivity across the UAE.
Connecting Dubai and Other Major Cities in the UAE
The Etihad Rail network will link 11 cities and regions across the UAE, covering areas from Al Sila to Fujairah, including key stops at Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. Two passenger stations have already been confirmed, one in Sakamkam, Fujairah, and the other in Sharjah’s University City. Dubai’s station locations are eagerly awaited as the project advances.
This world-class rail system is expected to revolutionize travel between Dubai and other emirates, offering a high-speed, sustainable alternative to road travel. Once operational, Etihad Rail’s passenger service is projected to transport around 36.5 million passengers annually, significantly reducing travel times across the country.
Luxury Coaches and High-Tech Interiors
The UAE’s high-speed trains will boast sleek, aerodynamic designs with luxury interiors. The passenger coaches, decked out in silver and grey, will feature various seating options, much like the classes available on flights. Seats will be arranged in a 2+2 format, ensuring comfort and ample space for passengers. Each coach will include electric doors separating compartments, with TV screens displaying live travel information, including locations and estimated arrival times.
Etihad Rail’s fleet will include 15 luxurious carriages, providing a first-class travel experience as passengers journey from the urban centers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai to the scenic natural destinations of Fujairah and Liwa, known for its breathtaking desert landscapes and the renowned oasis near Mezeiraa station.
Etihad Rail’s Dh50 Billion UAE Railways Programme
The UAE Railways Programme, a Dh50 billion project launched in December 2021, marks the largest integrated system for transporting goods and passengers across the country. This national network is designed to connect all seven emirates, with key cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi playing pivotal roles in the rail network’s success.
The programme consists of three key elements: Freight Rail, Passenger Rail Services, and the Integrated Transportation Service. By 2030, it is expected to generate more than 9,000 jobs within the rail and support sectors, contributing to Dubai’s continued growth as a global transportation hub.
With much of the infrastructure already complete, Etihad Rail has been operational for freight transport since 2023. Its modern fleet includes 38 locomotives capable of handling up to 60 million tons of goods annually and more than 1,000 multi-purpose vehicles.
Etihad Rail’s New Identity: Inspired by the Falcon
In line with its ambitious vision for the future, Etihad Rail recently unveiled a new brand identity, featuring a revamped logo that embodies the speed, precision, and agility of a falcon. The updated logo reflects Etihad Rail’s commitment to reaching its goals swiftly and deliberately, while also highlighting the elegance and modernity that sets it apart as a key player in the UAE’s transportation sector.
With Dubai set to be a central part of this groundbreaking rail network, the Etihad Rail passenger service will offer a fast, efficient, and luxurious way to travel between cities, making the UAE’s vibrant destinations more accessible than ever.