Etihad Rail’s ambitious passenger train project took center stage at the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, where visitors got their first close look at the soon-to-be operational service set to redefine intercity travel across the UAE. The event, held at ADNEC Centre, gathered international leaders and experts to spotlight innovation and cooperation in transport and connectivity. The Global Rail 2025 exhibition and conference opened today at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and will continue through October 2. Held under the theme “Driving the Future of Transport and Global Connectivity,” the event has drawn significant international attention, welcoming over 20 ministerial delegations and industry leaders from both the public and private sectors. With participants from more than 100 nationalities, the three-day gathering is expected to receive over 20,000 international visitors.Spanning four exhibition halls, the event features more than 200 companies and brands from 14 key sectors, including infrastructure, rolling stock, digital innovation, finance, and smart mobility. Over 70 companies are debuting at this year’s exhibition, and more than 11 national rail operators are in attendance.A major highlight of the exhibition has been Etihad Rail’s unveiling of its upcoming passenger train cabins—marking the first public look into what the future of rail travel in the UAE will look like. The sleek, silver train model displayed prominently at the venue features the distinctive black and red Etihad Rail branding and gives visitors a tangible preview of what’s to come when passenger operations begin in 2026.The passenger trains will include three distinct travel classes: economy, family, and first class. The economy cabin features dark grey, back-to-back seating; the family cabin offers face-to-face seats with a long central table for group convenience; and the first-class cabin provides wider, adjustable seats designed for comfort. All cabins come equipped with tray tables, overhead luggage compartments, and additional dedicated spaces for larger baggage.Passengers will enter stations through automated ticket barriers. While it is encouraged to book tickets online in advance, ticket vending machines will also be available at stations. A sample of the machine on display shows it as black and grey in color, with support for payments via bank notes, cards, and Apple Pay. These machines allow users to choose their travel class, input journey start and end points, and specify any special requirements.Train journeys are designed to be swift and efficient. Once operational, the Abu Dhabi to Dubai route will take 57 minutes. Travel time to Fujairah will be around 100 minutes, and to Ruwais, approximately 70 minutes. The trains are expected to run at speeds of up to 200 km/h.Two types of trains will operate on the network. Chinese-manufactured CRC cabins will offer 365 seats, while Spanish CAF cabins will provide 369 seats. Though both models support the same class structure, slight design variations will differentiate the two interiors.The railway service is also making efforts to create a seamless and branded customer experience. Train drivers will wear grey and black uniforms, while station and train hosts will don cream and red uniforms.As excitement builds for Etihad Rail’s full-scale passenger operations, one detail still remains under wraps: ticket pricing. Additionally, specifics regarding last-mile connectivity options for passengers have yet to be disclosed.Nevertheless, the unveiling marks a significant step forward in the UAE’s long-term infrastructure and mobility plans, offering residents and visitors an efficient and comfortable alternative to road transport.
