UAE launches high-speed rail linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Powered entirely by electricity, the network aligns with the UAE’s “Net Zero 2050” strategy

Etihad Rail in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a groundbreaking high-speed train project on Thursday, set to connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

During a press conference, Mohammed Al Shehhi, Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail, emphasized the project’s significance in driving economic growth, fostering social integration, and promoting sustainability within the country.

The fully electric rail network is designed to support the UAE’s «Net Zero 2050» strategy, Al Shehhi noted.

The system will include six stations, such as Yas Island and Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, as well as Jaddaf and Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. The inaugural passenger fleet, with a capacity of 400 passengers, will connect key cities, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, while seamlessly integrating with existing metro and bus networks.

«This initiative underscores the UAE’s leadership in sustainable infrastructure and smart transportation, enhancing the quality of life for both residents and visitors,» Al Shehhi stated.