Etihad Rail: The UAE's First Passenger Train Network
The highly anticipated Etihad Rail passenger service has confirmed eleven station locations ahead of its launch later this year. The 900km-long network will connect cities and towns across all seven emirates in the UAE, marking a historic milestone in the country's transport infrastructure.
This is the first passenger rail service in the UAE's history.
Inside one of the new Etihad Rail passenger stations
Where are the stations?
Etihad Rail has confirmed the following eleven station locations:
- Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai (along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road)
- Al Dhaid, Sharjah (one of the largest cities in Sharjah)
- University City, Sharjah (close to Sharjah International Airport)
- Mohammed bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi (near Dalma Mall, central Abu Dhabi)
- Al Faya, Abu Dhabi (between Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain)
- Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi (180km southwest of Abu Dhabi city)
- Al Mirfa, Abu Dhabi (coastal town, 130km west of Abu Dhabi)
- Al Dhannah, Abu Dhabi (240km from Abu Dhabi city)
- Mezairaa, Abu Dhabi (Liwa Oasis)
- Al Sila, Abu Dhabi (westernmost point, strategic for future GCC Railway)
- Al Hilal, Fujairah (easternmost point, near Fujairah city)
The Dubai station at Jumeirah Golf Estates is strategically located along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, with close proximity to the Dubai Metro for last-mile connectivity.
Jumeirah Golf Estates, home to Dubai's Etihad Rail station
How fast will it travel?
The passenger train service will operate at a maximum speed of 200 km/h across all emirates. Key journey times include:
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai: 50 minutes
- Dubai to Fujairah: 50 minutes
- Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: 1 hour 40 minutes
A planned high-speed rail project linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai will eventually reduce travel times to just 30 minutes, with speeds up to 350 km/h.
What about last-mile connectivity?
In Dubai, the RTA is ramping up efforts to ensure the main Etihad Rail station is served by feeder buses and taxis to allow for easy last-mile access for commuters. The station's proximity to the Dubai Metro will also provide a seamless link to the city's inner-city rail system.
The bigger picture
By 2030, Etihad Rail aims to transport 36 million passengers per year. The westernmost station at Al Sila is also positioned as a strategic hub for the eventual GCC Railway Project, which will connect all Gulf Cooperation Council countries by rail.
What this means for property investors
The Etihad Rail network is set to significantly reshape property dynamics across the UAE. Communities near confirmed station locations, particularly Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai and areas along the Abu Dhabi-Dubai corridor, could see substantial appreciation as connectivity improves.
For investors, proximity to rail infrastructure has historically been a strong driver of property values. Just as the Dubai Metro boosted prices along its route, the Etihad Rail is expected to create a new premium for properties within easy reach of its stations.
Cross-emirate commuting will become far more practical, potentially opening up more affordable markets in Sharjah, Fujairah, and outer Abu Dhabi for residents who work in Dubai or the capital.
Source: Time Out Dubai, Etihad Rail
