Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail (Arabic: الاتحاد للقطارات) is the developer and operator of the United Arab Emirates' national railway network. It was established in June 2009 under Federal Law No. 2 to manage the development, construction and operation of the UAE's national freight and passenger railway network. Etihad Rail connects the UAE's principal ports and centres of industry, and would link these centres with other railways throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council. Etihad Rail is being developed in line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and the UAE Vision 2021, which in turn contributes to economic diversification through strategic initiatives set to bolster UAE socio-economic growth and diversification. Commercial operations of Stage One commenced in January 2016, on time and within budget. The operator of Stage One was Etihad Rail DB, which was a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Deutsche Bahn, Europe's largest railway operator, which was set up in 2013. In 2022, Etihad Rail moved to a self-operating model after concluding knowledge transfer programme with Deutsche Bahn. Operations of Stage Two commenced in February 2023, thus extending the total network of Etihad Rail to 900 km. As of 2026, both passenger and freight services are operational, with passenger services having commenced on 30 June 2026, with the inaugural route connecting Abu Dhabi's Mohamed bin Zayed City station to Al Hilal City in Fujairah. Subsequent station openings are planned at Jumeirah Golf Estates (Dubai) and Al Dhaid (Sharjah) on 30 September 2026, Al Dhafra on 30 December 2026, and Sharjah's University City on 30 March 2027.