Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail is the national railway company of the United Arab Emirates, established in June 2009 under Federal Law No. 2 with the mandate to develop, construct, and operate the UAE's national freight and passenger railway network.

The company was created to connect the principal population centers, industrial zones, and ports within the UAE, as well as to integrate the country's rail system with those of other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, facilitating regional connectivity and economic growth.

The rail network is a critical component of the UAE's broader economic diversification plans articulated in the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and UAE Vision 2021.

The first operational stage of the Etihad Rail project, covering 264 kilometers from the inland gas fields in the Liwa and Shah regions to the port town of Ruwais, commenced freight services in January 2016.

Stage Two, extending the network to 605 kilometers linking Ghuweifat on the Saudi border to Fujairah on the eastern coast, began operations in February 2023, bringing the total network length to approximately 900 kilometers.

The railway infrastructure includes modern, double-track, standard-gauge lines built to the highest international standards with advanced signalling systems, designed to carry both freight and passenger trains efficiently and sustainably.

Etihad Rail's freight services handle millions of tons annually, significantly reducing road traffic and emissions by providing an energy-efficient alternative for transporting goods such as hydrocarbons, building materials, and containerized cargo. Passenger services are scheduled to launch by 2026, connecting key urban centers like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, cutting travel times across the country and enhancing mobility.

The project has also entered a joint venture with Oman Rail to develop cross-border links, further expanding regional rail integration. With a focus on safety, environmental sustainability, and economic impact, Etihad Rail represents a transformative infrastructure initiative driving the UAE’s future growth and connectivity.