Etihad Rail
The developer and operator of the United Arab Emirates' national railway network.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Etihad Rail is the United Arab Emirates' national railway developer and operator. Established in June 2009 under Federal Law No. 2, the company was created to develop, construct, manage and operate a nationwide freight and passenger railway. Its network is intended to connect the UAE's principal ports, industrial zones, logistics hubs and population centres, while also creating links with the wider Gulf Cooperation Council railway system. The company was established as part of the UAE's broader infrastructure and economic-diversification agenda, including the objectives associated with Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and UAE Vision 2021. Rather than functioning primarily as a consumer-facing transport brand, Etihad Rail serves as a strategic national infrastructure platform. Its activities cover railway development, freight transportation, passenger rail planning and operations, rolling-stock procurement, intermodal logistics facilities, network maintenance and the integration of rail with ports and industrial areas. The first operational section, known as Stage One, spans approximately 264 kilometres between the Shah and Habshan gas fields and Ruwais. Commercial freight operations began in January 2016, carrying granulated sulphur for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to processing and export facilities at Ruwais. The section was delivered on schedule and within budget according to the company's published account. Stage One was initially operated and maintained by Etihad Rail DB, a joint venture established in 2013 between Etihad Rail and Deutsche Bahn. Following a knowledge-transfer programme, Etihad Rail adopted a self-operating model in 2022 and the joint venture was dissolved. Stage Two expanded the railway by approximately 605 kilometres, linking Ghuwaifat near the Saudi Arabian border with Fujairah on the UAE's east coast. Construction began in 2020, the first track was laid in 2021, and the route entered service in February 2023. Together with Stage One, the operational network reached approximately 900 kilometres. The wider national network is planned to total about 1,200 kilometres and to serve all seven emirates. It is designed for mixed freight and passenger use, with standard gauge track, largely double-track infrastructure, European Train Control System Level 2 signalling and heavy-haul capability. Etihad Rail's freight proposition includes bulk, intermodal and break-bulk transport, supported by facilities at locations including Ruwais, Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Port, Dubai Industrial City, Jebel Ali Port, Al Ghayl and Fujairah Port. The railway is intended to move cargo between production sites, ports and distribution centres while reducing dependence on road haulage. The company has also positioned rail as a means of supporting lower-emission logistics, improving industrial competitiveness and enabling economic activity outside the largest urban centres. Passenger services form the second major business line. The network's design allows passenger trains to operate at substantially higher speeds than freight services, although the passenger system has been developed in stages. A separate high-speed Abu Dhabi–Dubai project announced in 2025 was described as a 150-kilometre connection capable of joining the two cities in about 30 minutes, with operations targeted for 2030. Expansion toward the northern emirates and international connections remains part of the company's longer-term development agenda. Etihad Rail also participates in cross-border railway development. In 2024, it and Oman Rail announced Hafeet Rail, a joint venture intended to develop a roughly 300-kilometre railway between the UAE network and Oman's Port of Sohar via Al Ain. These initiatives reflect the company's role not only as a domestic railway operator but also as a potential platform for Gulf trade integration. Its positioning combines state-backed infrastructure development, industrial freight logistics, passenger mobility and regional connectivity.
History
The idea of a railway connecting the Gulf states was examined through a feasibility study commissioned by the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries in 2004. The UAE subsequently created Etihad Rail in June 2009 through Federal Law No. 2. Its mandate covered the development, construction, management and operation of a national railway serving both freight and passengers. The project was closely associated with national infrastructure and diversification strategies. The intended railway would connect the UAE's emirates, industrial areas and ports, reduce the pressure placed on roads by heavy trucks, and provide a platform for future links with neighbouring GCC countries. The network was designed as a standard-gauge, mixed-use railway, with mainly double track, heavy-haul capability and European Train Control System Level 2 signalling. Freight trains were planned for speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour, while passenger trains were designed for speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour. The infrastructure uses diesel traction, with possible electrification reserved for the future. The first construction phase, Stage One, covered 264 kilometres from the Shah and Habshan gas fields to Ruwais. It was built to support the movement of granulated sulphur from inland gas production areas to Ruwais for processing and export. Commercial operations began in January 2016. The route's freight system was designed to carry substantial bulk volumes, with published descriptions indicating capacity of up to 22,000 tonnes of granulated sulphur per day. Seven diesel-electric locomotives supplied by Electro-Motive Diesel were used, together with trains of as many as 110 wagons. The locomotives and wagons incorporated railway signalling and safety equipment suited to heavy-haul operations in the UAE's hot, dusty environment. Etihad Rail DB, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Deutsche Bahn established in 2013, initially operated and maintained Stage One for Etihad Rail's principal customer, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Deutsche Bahn's role also supported the transfer of operational expertise. In 2022, after the knowledge-transfer programme concluded, Etihad Rail moved to direct self-operation and Etihad Rail DB was dissolved. Stage Two was the major expansion of the national network. Construction began in 2020, with the first track laid in early 2021. The 605-kilometre route runs from Ghuwaifat near the Saudi Arabian border through the UAE toward Fujairah on the eastern coast and opened on 28 February 2023. Its component packages connected the western border to Ruwais, linked the existing network with Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and extended the railway through Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The works included bridges, underpasses and tunnels through the Al Hajar Mountains. One section also created the first rail connection between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. A broad group of engineering and construction suppliers participated in Stage Two. Egis and Jacobs were appointed for project-management and engineering roles. Construction packages involved joint ventures including China State Construction Engineering Corporation with SK Engineering and Construction, China Railway Construction Corporation with Ghantoot Transport & General Contracting Company, and China Railway Construction Corporation with National Projects and Construction. Hitachi Rail STS supplied European rail traffic management and systems-integration technology. Larsen & Toubro and Power China International were responsible for freight facilities, while Progress Rail supplied specially configured EMD locomotives. A Vinci Construction France-led joint venture developed the operations and maintenance facility at Al Faya. The completed system links freight facilities at locations such as Ruwais, Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Port, Dubai Industrial City, Jebel Ali Port, Al Ghayl and Fujairah Port. These facilities support loading, unloading, container storage and rolling-stock maintenance, allowing the railway to function as an integrated logistics network rather than an isolated line. Etihad Rail's freight activity covers bulk cargo, intermodal containers and break-bulk goods. The long-term national network is planned at approximately 1,200 kilometres and is intended to reach all seven emirates. Stage Three is described as a planned 279-kilometre connection involving Dubai, Fujairah and Ras al-Khaimah, although no firm completion timetable is identified in the reference material. In 2025, Etihad Rail also announced a proposed 150-kilometre high-speed passenger route between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, targeting operations by 2030 and a journey time of about 30 minutes. International expansion has become another part of the company's strategy. In April 2024, Etihad Rail and Oman Rail announced Hafeet Rail, a joint venture intended to build approximately 300 kilometres of railway between the UAE network and Sohar Port in Oman through Al Ain. Such projects place Etihad Rail within the wider objective of developing a Gulf-wide rail system, although the pace and final form of regional integration depend on national infrastructure and sovereignty decisions. The railway is promoted as an economic, environmental and social infrastructure project. Etihad Rail has stated that a fully loaded freight train can replace hundreds of road trucks on Stage One and produce substantially lower emissions for equivalent freight movements. The company also expects rail to support industrial diversification, improve connections between rural areas and cities, reduce road congestion and create tourism and land-development opportunities around stations. These are company projections rather than independently verified outcomes and should be treated as forecasts.
- 2025
Abu Dhabi–Dubai high-speed rail plan announced
[1]The company announced a proposed 150-kilometre high-speed passenger line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
- 2024
Hafeet Rail announced
[1]Etihad Rail and Oman Rail announced a joint venture for a proposed UAE–Oman railway connection.
- 2023
Stage Two opens
[1]The Ghuwaifat–Fujairah section opened on 28 February, bringing the operational network to approximately 900 kilometres.
- 2022
Transition to self-operation
[1]Etihad Rail completed its knowledge transfer with Deutsche Bahn and resumed direct operations.
- 2021
First Stage Two track laid
[1]The first track for Stage Two was laid during the expansion project.
- 2020
Stage Two construction begins
[1]Construction commenced on the 605-kilometre western-to-eastern expansion.
- 2016
Stage One enters commercial service
[1]The Shah–Habshan–Ruwais freight corridor began commercial operations.
- 2013
Etihad Rail DB established
[1]Etihad Rail and Deutsche Bahn created a joint venture for Stage One operations and maintenance.
- 2009
Etihad Rail founded
[1]The UAE established Etihad Rail under Federal Law No. 2 to develop and operate the national railway.
- 2004
GCC railway feasibility study commissioned
[1]The six GCC countries commissioned a feasibility study for a railway network spanning the region.
Products and positioning
State-backed national railway infrastructure company focused on freight logistics, passenger mobility, economic diversification and Gulf connectivity.
Freight rail · 2016
Stage One freight corridor
A 264-kilometre heavy-haul route connecting the Shah and Habshan gas fields with Ruwais. Its primary traffic is granulated sulphur transported from inland production areas to processing and export facilities. The corridor was the first part of the UAE national railway to enter commercial service and established Etihad Rail's initial operating model.
Freight and mixed-use rail · 2023
Stage Two national rail network
A 605-kilometre extension running from Ghuwaifat near the Saudi border to Fujairah on the east coast. It links the existing Stage One corridor with UAE ports, industrial centres and emirates, and includes major bridges, underpasses, tunnels, signalling systems and freight facilities.
Rail logistics · 2016
Etihad Rail freight services
Freight services designed for bulk, intermodal and break-bulk cargo. Etihad Rail integrates rail transport with facilities at Ruwais, Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Port, Dubai Industrial City, Jebel Ali Port, Al Ghayl and Fujairah Port, supporting loading, unloading, container storage and rolling-stock maintenance.
Passenger rail
Passenger rail services
The passenger component of the national network is intended to connect UAE cities and communities. The infrastructure is designed for passenger speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour, while additional passenger routes and stations are being developed in phases.
High-speed passenger rail
Abu Dhabi–Dubai high-speed rail
A proposed 150-kilometre high-speed connection announced in 2025. The plan describes a journey of approximately 30 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and a maximum speed of up to 350 kilometres per hour. The route remains a planned expansion rather than an established operating service.
Brand decisions
2025
Announce Abu Dhabi–Dubai high-speed rail planProduct launchBackground
Etihad Rail sought to add a faster passenger connection between the UAE's two largest urban and economic centres.
Action taken
The company announced a proposed 150-kilometre high-speed line intended to operate at speeds of up to 350 kilometres per hour.
Aftermath
The project was given a stated target of beginning operations by 2030, subject to further development and delivery.
2024
Establish Hafeet Rail with Oman RailM&ABackground
The UAE and Oman sought to strengthen cross-border freight connectivity between the national rail systems and Sohar Port.
Action taken
Etihad Rail and Oman Rail formed Hafeet Rail to develop a proposed approximately 300-kilometre railway via Al Ain.
Aftermath
The project expanded Etihad Rail's strategic scope from a UAE national network toward a UAE–Oman logistics corridor.
2023
Open Stage TwoGeneration changeBackground
The UAE sought to extend the initial industrial freight corridor into a national east–west railway connecting borders, ports and major economic centres.
Action taken
Etihad Rail opened the 605-kilometre Ghuwaifat–Fujairah section on 28 February 2023.
Aftermath
The operational network expanded to approximately 900 kilometres and gained a connection toward the Saudi border and UAE east coast.
2022
Adopt self-operation after knowledge transferStrategyBackground
Etihad Rail had completed a knowledge-transfer programme with Deutsche Bahn under the Etihad Rail DB operating arrangement.
Action taken
Etihad Rail assumed direct responsibility for operating the railway and maintaining the Stage One system.
Aftermath
Etihad Rail DB was dissolved and the national operator shifted to a self-operating model.
2013
Form Etihad Rail DB with Deutsche BahnM&ABackground
Etihad Rail required specialist operational and maintenance expertise for the first stage of the UAE railway.
Action taken
The company established Etihad Rail DB as a joint venture with Deutsche Bahn to operate and maintain Stage One and support capability transfer.
Aftermath
The arrangement supported the launch of commercial freight operations before Etihad Rail later moved to direct self-operation.
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Etihad Rail offers discounted fares for children and senior citizens[3]
Etihad Rail offers special fares on several routes for children aged 2 to 17 and senior citizens aged over 60. Children’s fares start from AED 10 and senior citizens’ fares start from AED 16; prices vary by destination and travel class.
Reported
Etihad Rail partners with Western Bainoona Group on freight services[4]
Etihad Rail formed a partnership with Western Bainoona Group to provide rail freight services for the Group's construction materials from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Sources4 sources
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