The Dubai to Fujairah train route just moved a big step closer to reality. Dubai’s Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum rode the Etihad Rail passenger train this week, checking on the project’s progress and getting a firsthand look at what the journey will be like.
It wasn’t just a ceremonial ride. The visit was part of a detailed inspection of construction work between Dubai to Fujairah, which is now almost done. This segment is a key link in the wider Etihad Rail network that will eventually connect all seven emirates.
The Etihad Rail Dubai station, being built near Jumeirah Golf Estates, is also moving ahead fast. Once completed, it will serve as a central point for commuters heading to Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, and beyond.
Passenger services on Etihad Rail are set to launch by 2026. Trains will cut travel time dramatically—around 57 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, and just under two hours from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah. Officials say that’s not just good for passengers, but for the economy too.
Further west, tracks extend all the way to Al Sila, near the Saudi border. This area has seen major freight activity already, and passenger service will soon follow. The full route, which stretches 900 km, includes links to major ports, cities, and industrial hubs. Al Sila being one of them.
The Dubai to Fujairah connection, in particular, is expected to boost tourism, make business travel easier, and give residents a new way to move around quickly and comfortably.
With Sheikh Mohammed’s ride marking a key milestone, the UAE’s vision for a modern, connected future is picking up speed—quite literally.
