The UAE’s first Passenger Rail is expected to be launched by 2026, as Etihad Rail has now been collaborating with the international provider Keolis. This global collaboration was announced at the Global Rail 2025 by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail.
Keolis offers global expertise by operating public transit and rail systems across over 13 nations. They will be managing the overall rail infrastructure for the operations of the passenger rail. While the Eithad Rail will be solely responsible for rail expansion & network across the United Arab Emirates. With this, the people can hope for a modern, convenient, and affordable transportation across the emirates.
Eithad Rail’s 900 km Rail Network, which is currently having trains running for freight transportation, will now be responsible for the new passenger rail. These will help to increase the transport facilities of goods as well as people between major cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and others.
This action is part of the UAE government’s larger “Projects of the 50” initiative, which aims to promote long-term economic growth and national development. A dependable, fast rail system will shorten travel times, ease traffic, and offer a sustainable substitute for driving or flying between cities.
Both companies are stressing the importance of planning, which is underway, and specifics like ticket prices, station stops, and route maps have not been made publicly available yet.
This UAE’s first passenger train can result in a game-changer in the regional transportation and commute facilities around the emirates. The partnership between Etihad Rail and Keolis is underway, bringing the Emirates one step closer to a more intelligent, efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
Source: GulfNews.com
