The future of travel in the Emirates has arrived. On January 8, 2026, Etihad Rail officially announced the locations of the remaining seven Etihad Rail stations, completing the nationwide passenger map. With 10 out of 13 high-tech trains already in the UAE for testing, the project is on track for its phased launch later this year. Connecting 11 major cities and regions, the network will allow commuters to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in just 50 minutes, and from Dubai to Fujairah in the same record time.
The Full List of Confirmed Etihad Rail Stations
The passenger network is divided into the four previously confirmed “hubs” and seven newly announced regional stops.
| Emirate | Station Location | Status |
| Abu Dhabi | Mohammed Bin Zayed City | Major Hub |
| Dubai | Jumeirah Golf Estates | Major Hub |
| Sharjah | University City | Major Hub |
| Fujairah | Al Hilal | Major Hub |
| Abu Dhabi (Regional) | Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezairaa, Al Faya | Newly Announced |
| Sharjah (Regional) | Al Dhaid | Newly Announced |
Redefining Commute: Speed and Luxury
The Etihad Rail stations are not just transit points; they are gateways to a new lifestyle. The passenger trains will travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h, offering a faster, greener alternative to the E11 and E311 highways.
Inside the trains, passengers can choose from three distinct classes:
- First Class: Wide, adjustable seats with premium service.
- Family Class: Seats facing each other with large tables for interaction.
- Economy Class: Ergonomic dark grey seating with power outlets and Wi-Fi.
Strategic Impact on UAE Mobility
Each train can accommodate up to 400 passengers, with the RTA serving as the official ticketing partner via the S’hail app. The integration of Etihad Rail stations with local bus and taxi feeders in Dubai and Abu Dhabi ensures “last-mile” connectivity. For example, the Jumeirah Golf Estates station in Dubai will act as a central terminal for those commuting to Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed Bin Zayed City, effectively merging the two cities into a single metropolitan area.
Sustainability and the 2030 Vision
By 2030, the network aims to transport over 36.5 million passengers annually. This shift from road to rail is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 70–80% compared to car travel. Furthermore, the high-speed rail project (aiming for 350 km/h) is already in development to eventually cut the Abu Dhabi-Dubai journey to a mere 30 minutes.
Conclusion: A New Era of Travel
As the Etihad Rail stations prepare for their grand opening in 2026, residents are already eyeing real estate near these hubs. Whether you are a daily commuter or a tourist looking to explore the mountains of Fujairah, the national rail network is set to become the backbone of UAE’s transport ecosystem.
