The UAE’s long-awaited national passenger railway took a decisive step forward on 8-9 January as Etihad Rail revealed the full list of **11 stations** that will anchor the country’s first inter-city train service from 2026. New stops at Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Madinat Zayed, Al Mirfa, Mezaira’a, Al Faya and Al Dhaid join the previously announced hubs in Mohamed bin Zayed City (Abu Dhabi), Jumeirah Golf Estates (Dubai), University City (Sharjah) and Al Hilal (Fujairah). ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/etihad-rail-uaes-launches-first-passenger-train-network-connecting-abu-dhabi-dubai-and-fujairah/articleshow/126428376.cms?utm_source=openai))
Etihad Rail executives say the 200 km/h trains will whisk passengers from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in **less than 50 minutes** and connect Fujairah to the capital in just over 100 minutes—slashing current drive times by up to 40 percent. Ten of 13 Alstom-built trainsets are already undergoing dynamic testing, with phased station commissioning scheduled throughout 2026.
For corporate mobility teams the rail link offers a game-changer: reliable, Wi-Fi-equipped carriages create a productive ‘office on wheels’, giving staff an alternative to congested E11 and E311 highways and unpredictable airport security queues. HR leaders anticipate lower inter-emirate driver allowances and a broader talent pool, as daily commuting between, say, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi becomes realistic via connecting bus shuttles.
![Etihad Rail unveils 11-station passenger network, promises Abu Dhabi–Dubai in under 50 minutes]()
Logistics planners also spy opportunity. Etihad Rail is developing ‘last-mile’ partnerships with ride-hailing apps and micro-mobility providers, promising a true door-to-door ecosystem. Companies with sustainability mandates can count rail travel toward Scope 3 emissions targets: initial estimates suggest a **40 % carbon reduction** versus single-occupancy vehicle trips on the same route.
For international employees or business travellers preparing to take advantage of this new connectivity, securing the right visa remains essential. VisaHQ streamlines UAE visa applications online—whether you need a short-term visit visa or a multiple-entry business permit—and offers real-time tracking and expert support: https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/.
In the run-up to the launch, businesses should start updating travel policies to include rail as a preferred mode for trips under 300 km, negotiate corporate fare bundles once pricing is published, and brief expatriate assignees on new residential options along the corridor. Real-estate consultants already report an uptick in enquiries around Jumeirah Golf Estates and Mohamed bin Zayed City as professionals anticipate seamless rail commutes.
Etihad Rail executives say the 200 km/h trains will whisk passengers from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in **less than 50 minutes** and connect Fujairah to the capital in just over 100 minutes—slashing current drive times by up to 40 percent. Ten of 13 Alstom-built trainsets are already undergoing dynamic testing, with phased station commissioning scheduled throughout 2026.
For corporate mobility teams the rail link offers a game-changer: reliable, Wi-Fi-equipped carriages create a productive ‘office on wheels’, giving staff an alternative to congested E11 and E311 highways and unpredictable airport security queues. HR leaders anticipate lower inter-emirate driver allowances and a broader talent pool, as daily commuting between, say, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi becomes realistic via connecting bus shuttles.
Logistics planners also spy opportunity. Etihad Rail is developing ‘last-mile’ partnerships with ride-hailing apps and micro-mobility providers, promising a true door-to-door ecosystem. Companies with sustainability mandates can count rail travel toward Scope 3 emissions targets: initial estimates suggest a **40 % carbon reduction** versus single-occupancy vehicle trips on the same route.
For international employees or business travellers preparing to take advantage of this new connectivity, securing the right visa remains essential. VisaHQ streamlines UAE visa applications online—whether you need a short-term visit visa or a multiple-entry business permit—and offers real-time tracking and expert support: https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/.
In the run-up to the launch, businesses should start updating travel policies to include rail as a preferred mode for trips under 300 km, negotiate corporate fare bundles once pricing is published, and brief expatriate assignees on new residential options along the corridor. Real-estate consultants already report an uptick in enquiries around Jumeirah Golf Estates and Mohamed bin Zayed City as professionals anticipate seamless rail commutes.
