Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed rides Etihad Rail to Fujairah ahead of 2026 launch
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inspected Etihad Rail, boarding the passenger train on a journey from Dubai to Fujairah. The visit reflects His Highness’s commitment to monitoring pivotal development projects as part of the UAE’s comprehensive infrastructure vision, aimed at serving all regions and aligning with national strategic objectives for the future.
His Highness praised the landmark initiative, expected to begin commercial operations in 2026, considering it one of the UAE’s most important infrastructure projects for its wide-ranging developmental, economic and social benefits. “Etihad Rail is a vital economic artery and a bridge to the future. It strengthens our vision for an integrated network that supports the UAE’s role as a regional and global logistics hub,” he said. His Highness emphasized that the project embodies the spirit of the Union and translates the leadership’s commitment to improving quality of life while supporting sustainability, connectivity and national cohesion.
His Highness commended the efforts of the Etihad Rail team, led by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, acknowledging their role in advancing this strategic national project. He affirmed the leadership’s vision to complete the network with unwavering determination to provide citizens, residents, and visitors with world-class transport services that enhance wellbeing and prosperity.
During the visit, His Highness was briefed on key developments of the railway by the Etihad Rail team, who expressed pride in his historic journey aboard the train, considering it a milestone for the project. They highlighted their dedication to operating the network according to the highest international standards of safety, efficiency, and quality.
His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan noted that hosting his father on the journey underscored the leadership’s support of national projects that contribute to the UAE’s advancement, marking yet another milestone since the launch of the “Fifty Projects” in 2021, the inauguration of the freight network in 2023, and now, the Passenger Train.
The Etihad Rail passenger service will connect 11 cities, from Sila to Fujairah, enhancing social bonds, facilitating travel, and promoting tourism and economic growth. Operating at speeds of 200 km/h with a capacity of 400 passengers per train, it aims to carry 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030. Stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah will offer an advanced, sustainable mode of transport that shortens travel time and distances across the Emirates, contributing significantly to the UAE’s climate neutrality goals by 2050.
