Abu Dhabi: Etihad Rail, the UAE's national rail network, announced a groundbreaking new project on Thursday: a high-speed, all-electric passenger train connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This ambitious development promises to drastically reduce travel time between the two major emirates, with the train set to reach speeds of up to 350 km/h, cutting the journey down to just 30 minutes.
The high-speed train will pass through several key stations, including Reem Island, Saadiyat, Yas Island, Zayed International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, and the Al Jaddaf area in Dubai. Once operational, this service will revolutionize travel within the UAE, making commuting faster and more efficient.
A Vision for the Future
Etihad Rail's new high-speed network is expected to contribute a staggering Dh145 billion to the UAE's GDP over the next 50 years. Although the full details of the project’s timeline remain unconfirmed, the rail infrastructure is set to be developed following successful tenders, according to Mohammed Al Shehhi, Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail.
In addition to the high-speed network, a regular-speed passenger train will also be rolled out. This train, designed to travel at 200 km/h, will connect all of the UAE’s emirates, including Sharjah, Fujairah, and Mezeira’a, with plans to extend to the border with Oman. The regular train will accommodate up to 400 passengers and is designed to complement the cargo trains already in use.
Impact on the UAE’s Transportation Landscape
The new train service is expected to dramatically improve inter-city connectivity, with the high-speed rail offering an efficient alternative to road travel. The addition of the regular-speed train will further enhance national connectivity and will eventually link the entire GCC region once the GCC Railway is operational.
While both trains are fully equipped and ready for service, Etihad Rail has not yet provided a specific timeline for when operations will officially begin. However, the announcement marks a significant step forward in the UAE's transportation infrastructure, promising a more sustainable, rapid, and connected future for the nation.
