In what was a major milestone in the transport infrastructure sector of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, took a ride in an Etihad Rail passenger train on a ride between Fujairah and Dubai. The visit was of strategic significance to the continuous expansion of national railway network in the country and a demonstration of the firm focus of its leadership on overseeing high-profile projects affecting the future of the UAE.
The role that Sheikh Mohammed has played in leading this trip reflects on his effort to make sure that developments that are essential to the development of critical infrastructure in the country are supervised, so as to ensure that the vision of integrated and sustainable growth of the country is achieved. Etihad Rail passenger service which is scheduled to start in 2026 is destined to become a significant step forward in country-wide integration and the heightened mobility across all emirates.
His Highness added: representing a critical economic artery that can boost the development of the UAE towards a bright future, the Etihad Rail will play a very important role. It forms one of the most important pieces in our vision to develop an integrated transport system that enhances the role of the UAE as a logistic hub, and it helps to transfer people and goods more easily.
On the visit, Sheikh Mohammed was updated by top Etihad Rail management on the status of the project. In anticipation of full-scale production of the passenger service, the team stressed its strategic value and the most recent accomplishments. The visit was organized by Saeed AlAhbabi, the Chief Business Support Officer of the Etihad Rail, and a group of senior officials.
A Symbol of Unity, Connectivity, and Progress
Sheikh Mohammed has described Etihad Rail as more than a transportation project, but the landmark of nation-building and unity with benefits extending to economic growth, sustainability and a social balance. He applauded the project team to be committed to the work they are doing since it makes the country proud.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, also had a comment over the visit: “We had the privilege of having His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum visit a passenger train trip between Dubai and Fujairah.” His continuous encouragement is an indication of the leadership devoting itself to the progress of the country as well as the integrated infrastructure.”
Sheikh Theyab also noted that Sheikh Mohammed has contributed to all the significant stages of the railway project, including the announcement of the Projects of the 50 in 2021 and the opening of freight operations in 2023. He pointed out that, today, we are at the forefront of a ground-breaking era in the UAE transport.
Also Read: UAE to Host Pakistan and Afghanistan in Tri-Series Ahead of Asia Cup 2025
What the Future Holds
The passenger service of Etihad Rail will connect 11 major cities and destinations of the United Arab Emirates, that is, in the west, Al Sila, and in the east, Fujairah, making traveling a convenient, comfortable, and safe process. The trains would be able to travel up to 200 km/h and there are four principal stations being planned in the states of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah.
The trains will be able to host 400 passengers each and it is estimated that by 2030, the trains will host 36.5 million riders per year. The high-speed railway will save a lot of commuting time among the emirates, decongest the roads, and encourage sustainable forms of commuting with the Net Zero 2050 UAE vision. The move would improve the experience of day to day movement, be a catalyst of tourism and business and set UAE as a pioneer of advanced integrated transport systems in the region.
Etihad Rail remains on track with preparation under the most exemplary quality and operational readiness guidelines, and thus, the ride by Sheikh Mohammed is more of a symbolic as well as a strategic message of the UAE interest in being ready for the infrastructure of the future. This is not only a ride, but a sign that UAE is bound to an imminently interconnected tomorrow.