Etihad Rail unveils train designs ahead of 2026 launch: 11 UAE cities to be connected

Etihad Rail unveiled the train’s final design at the Global Rail Conference in Abu Dhabi, where a preview of the new carriages was shown. The model displayed at the conference indicates the Etihad Rail high‑speed train will feature three cabins: economy, family, and first class.

Three classes

• Economy: compact, dark grey back‑to‑back seats for everyday commuters.
• Family: opposing seats with a large shared table to encourage social interaction during journeys.
• First class: wider, adjustable seats with extra legroom, catering to those seeking greater comfort.

Regardless of class, every carriage will include foldable tray tables, overhead storage, and space for larger baggage.

400 passengers per trip
The trains are designed to carry 400 passengers per journey, and the network will feature routes fully separated from roads, enhancing safety by removing collision risks.

Azza Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Passenger Services, said the company is developing a world‑class passenger experience that combines comfort, reliability, and affordability, while adopting a “digital tickets first” approach.

The high‑speed service, which becomes operational in 2026, will run at up to 200 km/h, dramatically reducing travel times across the UAE.

It will connect 11 cities across the UAE, from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east, passing through Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.

Al Suwaidi told Emirates News Agency that the travel time from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will be just 57 minutes, while the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah leg will take 105 minutes, and the Abu Dhabi–Ruwais leg around 70 minutes.

She added that the high‑speed railway project is expected to contribute approximately AED 145 billion to the UAE’s GDP over the next fifty years, strengthening the country’s position as a leading destination in the new‑generation railway sector.