UAE Unveils First High-Speed Electric Passenger Train, Connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 30 Minutes

ISLAMABAD:The UAE’s Etihad Rail has launched its first high-speed electric passenger train, capable of reaching speeds of 350 km/h, which will connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes.

The train will travel through six stations, passing through key locations including Reem Island, Saadiyat, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, and Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport and Al Jaddaf area. This cutting-edge transport option will drastically reduce travel time between the two cities.

In addition to this high-speed train, Etihad Rail will also operate a regular passenger service. According to Mohamed Al Shahehi, the Chief Project Officer at Etihad Rail, the exact timeline for this major project remains uncertain. “The high-speed train and its associated infrastructure will be developed after completing tenders. This project is expected to add 145 billion dirhams to the UAE’s GDP over the next 50 years,” he explained.

The regular passenger train will travel across the entire UAE, from Mazira through the Liwa Desert and its famous oases, heading towards the Oman border. This train will include stations in Sharjah and Fujairah, and its reach will expand to other Gulf Cooperation Council countries once the GCC railway network becomes operational.

The regular-speed passenger train will connect all Emirates, operating at 200 km/h with a capacity for 400 passengers. Similar to a cargo train, it will have stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah.

Despite being fully equipped and ready, Etihad Rail’s spokesperson stated that the exact launch date of the high-speed train is still unknown.

In a post on X, Dubai’s Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed shared that he, along with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, witnessed the historic launch of the high-speed train project under the guidance of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

According to Minister of Defence Hamdan bin Mohammed, the train’s maximum speed of 350 km/h will reduce travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to just 30 minutes. “This project reflects the UAE’s commitment to sustainable and advanced transportation solutions, enhancing connectivity and improving the quality of life,” he said.