The United Arab Emirates is preparing to launch high-speed passenger trains between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The new railroad connection should significantly reduce travel time between the country's two largest cities and make traveling more convenient for tourists and locals

The UAE is gradually moving to a new format of intercity travel - high-speed rail transport. Etihad Rail's passenger trains will connect the country's key cities and allow you to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi much faster without traffic jams and long highway trips. For tourists, this means more freedom in planning routes, and for those traveling between cities on business, it means tangible time savings. The project is already in an active phase of preparation, and test trains have already made their first trips to some destinations.

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When will passenger trains be launched in the UAE?

The launch of passenger rail service in the UAE is being prepared in stages. The national railway network Etihad Rail, which has been operating mainly in freight transportation since 2016, is moving to a new stage of development - the launch of trains for passengers. The full-scale launch of the passenger network across the country is scheduled for 2026, with some routes between key cities to start earlier.

It is known that a test passenger flight has already taken place between Dubai and Fujairah in early February 2026. This means that the infrastructure and trains are in the final stages of preparation, and the launch of regular flights between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is a matter of the near future.

In the previous article, we provided a selection of 10 most interesting places to visit while traveling to Abu Dhabi.

How long will it take to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

The main advantage of the new railway is speed. Trains will run at speeds up to 200 km/h, which will allow you to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in about 50 minutes. For comparison, nowadays it usually takes about 1.5 hours to travel by car or bus, and even longer during rush hours due to traffic jams.

For tourists, this means that both cities can be combined in one trip without tiring travel. For example, if you stay in Dubai, it will be possible to go to Abu Dhabi for a tour or to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and return the same day. And for those planning a route through several emirates, the new trains will simplify logistics and make traveling less tied to car rental.

About customs regulations in the UAEt hat travelers need to know about — we talked about it here.

What cities will the new railway network connect?

The new passenger rail network in the UAE will not be limited to the Dubai-Abu Dhabi route. Trains will gradually connect several key cities and regions of the country, making travel between the emirates much easier.

The routes include major tourist and business centers, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Fujairah, as well as lesser-known destinations that are usually more difficult to reach without a car. This will open up new opportunities for travelers: it will be possible to combine a beach vacation on the Gulf of Oman with walks in megacities or trips to the country's cultural and university areas.

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What will Etihad Rail trains be like?

The passenger trains to be launched between UAE cities are focused on comfortable medium-distance travel. The cars are designed for about 400 passengers, so this is not a narrow “shuttle” but a full-fledged intercity transport for tourists and locals.

Inside, they promise comfortable ergonomic seats, a modern interior, Wi-Fi, and sockets at each seat. This format will be suitable for short tourist trips between cities, as well as for those who work on the road or travel to meetings between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

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