UAE’s New Railway Will Change Travel Across the Gulf 2025

human inrest3 months ago

Abu Dhabi, UAE – June 2025 — The United Arab Emirates is making fast progress on its dream of a connected nation, as the Etihad Rail project — the country’s largest railway network — moves closer to completion. This project is a big step in the UAE’s efforts to create a modern, sustainable, and high-speed transportation system that will connect all seven emirates and link with neighboring Gulf countries.

The UAE National Railway Network, managed by Etihad Rail, aims to transform the way people and goods move across the country. It is expected to cut travel times, reduce traffic on highways, lower carbon emissions, and support economic growth.

What Is Etihad Rail?

Etihad Rail is the official name of the UAE’s national railway project. Launched in 2009, it is being built in multiple phases and will eventually stretch over 1,200 kilometers across the country. The railway will connect major cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and beyond.

The network is also designed to connect with the GCC Railway project, which will link all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar.

Phase by Phase: Building a Connected Nation

The railway project is divided into three key phases:

Phase 1: Operational Since 2016

This phase focused on building a freight route in the western region of Abu Dhabi. It now transports granulated sulfur from the Shah and Habshan gas fields to the port of Ruwais.

Phase 2: Rapid Progress

Phase 2 extends the railway across the UAE, including links from Ghuwaifat (on the Saudi border) to Fujairah on the east coast. This phase includes both freight and passenger rail lines.

As of mid-2025, much of Phase 2 is nearing completion, with several tracks already laid and bridges, tunnels, and stations being built or tested.

Phase 3: Passenger Services Are Coming

Etihad Rail plans to launch passenger services soon. The trains will reach speeds of up to 200 km/h, allowing passengers to travel:

Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 50 minutes
Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in 1 hour 40 minutes

Train stations are under construction in key cities, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, and Fujairah. These stations are designed to be modern, accessible, and environmentally friendly.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The railway is expected to support the UAE economy by easing transport for industries like construction, oil and gas, retail, and manufacturing. It will reduce the pressure on roads by removing over 300,000 trucks per year once fully operational.

Etihad Rail also plays a big role in cutting carbon emissions. By moving cargo and people via train instead of road, the UAE can significantly lower its carbon footprint — a key goal in the country’s green and climate strategies.

Jobs and Development

The railway has already created thousands of new jobs for engineers, construction workers, planners, and technicians. As the passenger service expands, it is expected to generate even more opportunities in tourism, hospitality, logistics, and station management.

Etihad Rail has also formed partnerships with local and global companies to provide training and develop a skilled national workforce.

International Collaboration

Etihad Rail is working with international partners, including engineering firms and railway specialists from Europe and Asia. This includes cooperation with companies like Hitachi Rail, CAF (Spain), and China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC).

The UAE is also coordinating with its neighbors on future cross-border services as part of the GCC Railway, which will allow passengers and freight to move across the Gulf region with ease.

Smart Tech and Innovation

The UAE railway system is not just about speed — it’s also about innovation. The project uses the latest in rail technology:

AI-based systems for train control and safety
Automated signaling and communication for smoother rides
Smart ticketing and travel apps for passengers
Energy-efficient locomotives to reduce fuel use

The system is being designed with future upgrades in mind, including electrification and hyperloop integration, making it one of the most advanced in the region.

Looking Ahead

The future of travel in the UAE is changing fast. With the Etihad Rail network on track to connect cities, borders, and business hubs, millions of people will soon have faster, safer, and greener travel options.

The railway is not just a mode of transportation — it’s a symbol of the UAE’s vision for the future. From cutting travel times to boosting the economy and protecting the environment, Etihad Rail is set to become a key part of everyday life in the Emirates.

As passenger services prepare for launch in the coming years, residents and tourists alike can look forward to a new era of rail travel in the Middle East.

Final Thoughts

The UAE’s railway project is a bold step into the future. With world-class technology, sustainable design, and regional ambition, Etihad Rail is more than just tracks and trains — it’s the engine of the UAE’s next chapter.