2026 is shaping up to be the year that rail travel becomes part of everyday life in Abu Dhabi and beyond, thanks to the national Etihad Rail project.
Etihad Rail is the UAE’s first national railway network, designed to link all seven emirates with passenger and freight services.
The construction of this transport system has been underway for some time, but 2026 marks the change. This is the launch year for passenger trains, which will redefine how people move around the country.
Etihad Rail –A New Way to Travel
The passenger service will run on tracks that stretch roughly 900 kilometers. Once fully operational, Etihad Rail will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah.
This is a monumental change for everyday commuters, with huge benefits included. A journey that used to mean long hours on the road is estimated to be cut by a significant time with trains travelling at speeds up to 200 km/h.
Inside the trains, riders can expect a modern experience with economy, family, and first-class seating, plenty of luggage space, and thoughtful design elements tailored for comfort on medium and long journeys.
What This Means for Abu Dhabi
For Abu Dhabi, the launch of Etihad Rail passenger services in 2026 is more than just a new way to travel in the UAE.
This has now created that headache commute for residents to become easier, open up a new year to travel for tourists, and most importantly, make that everyday trip easier for all in the city.
The design of the stations means they will be more than just platforms. Many of the spots are being designed to include community hubs with shops, lounges, and integrated links to buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services to make getting to and from the train simple.
As the rails thread through deserts, cities, and coastline, 2026 will be remembered as the year the UAE added a new chapter to its transport story. Etihad Rail has now created that opportunity to bring cities closer and make the journey as important as the destination.
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