Saturday, 10 January 2026, at 2:00 pm | Dubai | Updated: 11 Jan 2026 at 3:59 pm
Etihad Rail announced additional passenger railway stations: Etihad Rail has officially announced 7 additional passenger railway stations as it prepares to launch the UAE’s first nationwide passenger train service. According to Etihad Rail officials, the passenger service is on track for a phased rollout starting in 2026 to connect communities across all seven emirates. However, the announcement marks a big milestone in the country’s transport and infrastructure development.
What are the latest changes?
It has expanded its passenger network from four to 11 confirmed stations nationwide. Therefore, it has significantly improved intercity connectivity. Below are the key updates of this change:
- Seven new passenger stations announced in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
- A total of 11 stations have been confirmed across the UAE.
- Passenger services are to begin in phases from 2026.
- Trains are designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h.
- Journey times are reduced by 30–40% compared to road travel.
The following is the list of newly announced stations:
- Al Sila
- Al Dhannah
- Al Mirfa
- Madinat Zayed
- Mezairaa
- Al Faya
- Al Dhaid (Sharjah)
Besides these stations, the rail has already announced the following stations:
- Mohammed Bin Zayed City (Abu Dhabi)
- Jumeirah Golf Estates (Dubai)
- University City (Sharjah)
- Al Hilal area (Fujairah)
According to Etihad Rail, all 11 extra passenger railway stations in UAE will become operational in stagthe es as services are slowly introduced.
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Who Will Benefit Across the UAE?
The expanded passenger rail network will impact a wide range of people across the UAE. Below is the list of examples of those people:
- Daily commuters travelling between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah.
- Residents of Al Dhafra and western Abu Dhabi because they will get faster access to major cities.
- Tourists exploring coastal towns, desert regions and eastern emirates.
- Students commuting to education hubs like University City, Sharjah.
- Business travelers seeking congestion-free intercity travel.
Azza Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, said in an official statement that the network will support national cohesion, boost domestic tourism, and improve quality of life through sustainable transport solutions.
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What Authorities Are Saying
The railway has confirmed the expansion during an official announcement on Thursday. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail, stated that the first phase will connect 11 carefully selected cities and regions. Thus, it would offer a reliable alternative to road travel.
According to Etihad Rail, 10 out of 13 passenger trains have already arrived in the UAE and have been tested and certified to international safety standards. Moreover, each train can carry up to 400 passengers and includes Wi-Fi, power outlets, modern seating and onboard amenities.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has also confirmed that Dubai’s NOL card will be accepted on the services after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2024.
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What Should You Expect In The Future?
You can expect the following announcements in the coming months:
- Final service launch timelines for each route
- Ticket pricing and booking details
- Integration with feeder buses, taxis and metro systems
- Updates on the UAE–Oman Hafeet Rail cross-border project
The long-term goal is to transport 36 million passengers annually by 2030. However, the future high-speed line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai aims to cut travel time to just 30 minutes.
The passenger rail network is set to redefine how residents and visitors travel across the country, as the country moves closer to a fully connected rail future.
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Source
The information in this article is mainly from the Etihad Rail official statement. However, it has extra inputs from The National, Timeout Dubai, etc.
Note- the information in this article will be updated soon.
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