Dubai, United Arab Emirates – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, inspected the Etihad Rail, where His Highness boarded the train journey from the Emirate of Dubai to the Emirate of Fujairah, as part of His Highness’s keenness to follow up on the main development projects being implemented within the context of comprehensive development plans for the infrastructure serving various regions of the country And determining the extent of progress achieved in its implementation in line with the state’s strategic objectives for the next stage.
His Highness praised the qualitative project, which is expected to start commercial operation in 2026, and is considered one of the most important infrastructure projects in the UAE, due to its great positive impact on all developmental, economic and social levels. His Highness said: “The Etihad Rail is an important economic artery and a vital bridge that enhances the UAE’s journey towards the future.” It is one of the key components of our vision to build an interconnected network that keeps pace with development requirements, supports the country’s position as an advanced logistics hub at the regional and global levels, and contributes to facilitating the movement of people and goods.
His Highness added: “This strategic project reflects the spirit of the Union, supports the ambitions of its sons, and reflects their keenness to enhance the nation’s capabilities in all fields. We are continuing to achieve accomplishments that confirm the uniqueness of the pioneering Emirati model in developing development projects that focus on people and aim to improve their quality of life. The Union Train is an important support element for the sustainability system, a vital economic artery, and an effective bridge for communication between our sons in the various emirates of the country.”
His Highness the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the huge work team behind this honorable achievement, which was achieved under the leadership and follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Dhiyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail Company, with all its impact in enhancing the sustainable personnel transportation system. His Highness said:We look forward to completing this national project with confident steps and a clear vision towards a future in which we continue to consolidate the pillars of the Union with qualitative additions that serve the citizen, confirm the elevation of the nation, and provide all the elements of well-being and prosperity to everyone who lives on his land.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum listened to an explanation from the Etihad Rail team, the developer and operator of the national railway network in the UAE, about the various stages of work and development that the project went through. The team expressed their pride and honor in this generous visit and the historic journey that His Highness made on board the train from the Emirate of Dubai to the Emirate of Fujairah, appreciating it as a milestone in the history of this strategic project They stressed that this generous gesture is a great incentive to continue completing the process of developing and operating the national railway network in the UAE in accordance with the highest international standards and specifications.
On this occasion, His Highness Sheikh Dhiyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, said: “We are honored to host my father, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on board the passenger train journey between the Emirates of Dubai and Fujairah. This step reflects the commitment of the UAE’s wise leadership to supporting national projects that contribute to achieving the renaissance of our country, the UAE.” This is what we have known from His Highness, as he witnessed the development of the network in its various stages, since the announcement of the “Fifty Projects” in 2021, through His Highness’s inauguration of the complete national railway network and the launch of the operational operations of the freight train in 2023, until today we are on the verge of a transformative stage in the transportation scene in the country, and we are proud and appreciate the support we have received for our national project, which leads us towards a better future We contribute to strengthening economic cohesion and integration in the country in a way that serves the interests of our country and improves its competitiveness at the global level.
This historic journey embodies the UAE’s vision of achieving an interconnected and sustainable future. The passenger train will contribute to strengthening social ties in the country, facilitating the lives of individuals, and enabling them to move easily between various destinations and major landmarks in the UAE. This will undoubtedly enhance tourism, economic, and social development there.
The passenger stations in the Emirates of Dubai and Fujairah are among the main stations within the national railway network for transporting passengers when it is operational next year. The national project, which is being developed and operated by Etihad Trains Company, provides a safe, advanced and environmentally friendly means of transportation that enhances the interconnection between the various regions of the country and provides citizens, residents and visitors with a smooth and integrated travel experience, according to the highest standards of efficiency, reliability, quality and safety In line with the pioneering position achieved by the state in the transportation and railway sector, through which it has provided a pioneering model to be emulated in the region.
The passenger train project, which is part of the national railway network projects in the UAE, is distinguished as one of the pioneering transportation projects that outline the features of an integrated future for the transportation and logistics sector in the country, in line with its national strategies regarding the sector, as the passenger train, when operated, will connect 11 cities and regions in the country from goods to Fujairah, including major cities and communities, in a scene that embodies the features of national cohesion and unity Taking into account sustainability standards, the project, within the framework of the national network, will contribute to achieving the UAE’s climate neutrality goals by 2050.
The national network, through the freight train and passenger train projects, will also contribute to a qualitative shift in the methods of transporting people and goods at the state level, establishing new standards for transportation in the region.
Etihad Trains continues its efforts with the highest levels of efficiency, quality, safety and reliability to enhance its readiness to operate the anticipated train, after the unveiling of the train fleet, which will operate at a speed of 200 km/h, and the first 4 stations in the country, in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, to facilitate passengers’ access to railway transport services, enhance communication, shorten time and shorten distances, to improve the quality of life.
The passenger train’s capacity is estimated at about 400 passengers per train, and the train is expected to contribute to transporting 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030.
