Set to launch in 2026, the UAE’s rail network has now revealed the location of 11 of its stations
One of the most exciting new things coming to the UAE in 2026 is Etihad Rail’s passenger network. And as the launch of the UAE’s first passenger train gets closer, Etihad Rail has announced the locations of 7 new stations that will further improve connectivity around the emirates.
Announced on Thursday, January 8, the new Etihad Rail stations are Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezairaa, Al Faya, and Al Dhaid. The seven newly unveiled Etihad Rail stops add to the already announced stations: Mohammed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, University City in Sharjah, and Al Hilal in Fujairah, bringing the total number to 11.
As per Khaleej Times, the stations will open in phases and – when fully operational – will connect 11 cities. Commenting on the announcement, Mohammed Alshehii, Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail, said that station areas were “carefully selected” to ensure key locations within the emirates would all be connected.
Your Etihad Rail guide
Etihad Rail’s passenger trains will launch in 2026 and will travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h, offering a fast, sustainable alternative to road travel. As such, commutes between Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be cut to 50 minutes, with passengers also able to travel between Dubai and Fujairah in just 50 minutes.
Each train is expected to carry around 400 passengers, with the network projected to serve over 36 million people annually by 2030.
Etihad Rail will offer three cabins classes: economy class, family class and first class. At the Global Rail Conference in Abu Dhabi in September, new prototypes showed that economy class had back-to-back dark grey coloured seats, the family class had seats facing each other and have a longer table in between and the first-class seats will be wider and adjustable for the comfort of passengers.
Tray tables are available behind all the seats and there will be overhead space for luggage in each cabin.
Ticket prices
Ticket prices are yet to be revealed, but we do know that ticketing will be managed by Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), suggesting Nol may be a method of payment when Etihad Rail launches.
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