Etihad Rail has unveiled plans for a high-speed passenger rail service that will slash travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to just 30 minutes. The announcement was made on Thursday during an event at Al Faya Depot in Abu Dhabi, attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.
The rail line, part of the UAE’s vision to elevate its infrastructure and mobility standards, will feature trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 350kph. The 150km route will connect key destinations, including Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Zayed Airport, Al Maktoum Airport, and Jaddaf near Dubai Creek.
While construction timelines and fare details remain undisclosed, the project aims to enhance connectivity, reduce road congestion, and support the UAE’s sustainable development goals. Officials highlighted the transformative potential of the project for transport, tourism, and the economy, projecting a contribution of Dh145 billion to the UAE’s GDP over the next 50 years.
Etihad Rail also revealed plans for passenger stations integrating with metro and bus networks, offering amenities such as business-class lounges and family-friendly facilities. The high-speed service will complement the regular passenger network, which is expected to link 11 cities and regions across the UAE.
