Etihad Rail Unveils 200 km/h Passenger Trains for June 2026 UAE Network Launch

Etihad Rail will launch passenger services on 30 June 2026, connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah across the United Arab Emirates. The operator unveiled its 200 km/h passenger trains at Global Rail 2025.

The launch introduces intercity passenger rail to the UAE, with trains operating at 200 km/h — a first for the Gulf state's railway network. The phased rollout targets key economic centres across four emirates, linking the capital with major commercial and port cities.

Initial operations from June 2026 will serve the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah corridor. Dubai and Al Dhaid stations open on 30 September 2026, followed by Al Dhafra region stations on 30 December 2026. The staggered schedule allows commissioning of rolling stock and station infrastructure across the network.

Etihad Rail operates the UAE's national freight network, completed in stages since 2016. The passenger service marks the network's expansion into intercity travel, complementing Dubai Metro and Abu Dhabi's urban transit systems. The 200 km/h design speed positions the service between conventional regional rail and high-speed operations typical of Europe and Asia.