The UAE’s ambitious Etihad Rail project is entering a new phase with the announcement of full integration into existing public transport networks across Dubai and other emirates. Set for passenger operations by 2026, this major development promises smoother, more connected travel, combining rail with metro, buses, taxis, and unified ticketing systems for unmatched commuter convenience.
Seamless integration with Dubai’s public transport network
Etihad Rail, the UAE’s 1,200-kilometre national railway project, will offer direct connectivity between major cities and ports. According to a report by Gulf News, Dubai has confirmed that all upcoming passenger stations within the city will be fully integrated with the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) existing public transport systems as part of the project’s phased development.This means that once operational, Etihad Rail stations in Dubai will be linked directly to feeder buses, metro lines, and taxi services at every station, enabling a smooth transition from rail to other forms of transport. Commuters will not need to rely on multiple transfers or separate systems, dramatically simplifying last-mile connectivity.The integration also extends to other emirates. For example, Abu Dhabi’s stations will connect directly to city routes and public buses, while Sharjah’s rail stations will be easily accessible through its local transport terminals and provide improved connectivity to Dubai. In Fujairah, similar connections are planned to ensure region-wide cohesion.This integration aims to maximize commuter convenience and create a sustainable, interconnected urban transport system. The broader objective is to position the UAE as a regional leader in future-ready mobility.
Unified ticketing with NOL card access
A critical feature of this integration is the unification of the ticketing system. In collaboration with RTA, Etihad Rail will support the use of Dubai’s NOL card across the entire public transport ecosystem, including trains, metro, buses, and taxis.This development means that passengers will be able to use a single card to travel across various modes of transport, without the hassle of purchasing multiple tickets or switching platforms. The system will remove barriers often associated with fragmented payment methods and is expected to significantly boost public transport usage.With the NOL card acting as a single access point, the government is not only improving the user experience but also advancing its goal of building a smarter, more integrated mobility framework. This move aligns with national sustainability goals, as unified access encourages broader use of mass transit over private vehicles.
Nationwide transport connectivity across Emirates
While Dubai plays a central role, Etihad Rail’s vision covers the entire UAE. Passenger services will launch in 2026, initially connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. The full 900km network will eventually link 11 cities across all seven emirates, offering unified, inter-emirate connectivity, with each location tailored for seamless local access. For instance:
- In Abu Dhabi, Etihad Rail stations will be serviced by city buses, creating uninterrupted transfers within the capital.
- In Sharjah, connectivity will be anchored by local public transport terminals.
- Fujairah and other emirates will be integrated into the same national framework, ensuring consistency in user experience regardless of location.
The railway line, which began construction in 2016 and is being developed in phases at a cost of AED 40 billion (USD 11 billion), is expected to offer high-speed passenger services and freight capabilities. Once complete, it will span the full length of the country and serve as a central pillar in the UAE’s infrastructure development.This level of coordination between national rail and local transport networks demonstrates the country’s commitment to reducing congestion, cutting emissions, and creating a scalable transportation model for the future.
Passenger rollout timeline and service integration
Passengers are expected to begin experiencing Etihad Rail’s integrated services starting in 2026, with the launch of the initial passenger operations. The rollout will be phased, focusing first on high-traffic corridors to ensure maximum impact from day one. The first phase of the service will connect four key emirates, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, through strategically located stations. These early connections will showcase the efficiency of the unified transport model, combining rail, metro, buses, and taxis in a single, user-friendly system. As the network expands, full operations will eventually span 900 kilometres, linking 11 cities across all seven emirates. This extensive coverage will ensure that the majority of UAE residents are within easy reach of the railway and its connected transport services. The service will operate with 13 trains, each carrying up to 400 passengers, and is projected to serve 36.5 million riders annually by 2030, reflecting strong demand and widespread adoption Importantly, integration with local transport systems is being rolled out in parallel with the rail network, allowing passengers to benefit from seamless connections from the very first day of operations, avoiding delays often seen when infrastructure outpaces supporting services.
Vision, milestones, and what lies ahead
The Etihad Rail project is a cornerstone of the UAE’s broader development goals, economically, socially, and environmentally. The 1,200-kilometre network is designed to strengthen regional connectivity, support trade and logistics, and reduce reliance on road transport.Earlier last week, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, personally reviewed the progress of the passenger services. During a journey between Dubai and Fujairah, he was briefed on key construction milestones, reflecting the leadership’s close involvement and commitment to the project.Set to launch passenger services in 2026, Etihad Rail is engineered to align with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 initiative. The system is being built with sustainability at its core, a clean, efficient alternative to traditional road-based transport. With its ability to move people and goods swiftly across the country, the railway is expected to make a lasting impact on national productivity and environmental health.Once operational, this integrated transport model will offer:
- Faster and more efficient travel between cities
- Reduced traffic congestion and pollution
- Increased usage of public transport due to ease of access
- Stronger economic ties between emirates
The UAE is not only investing in infrastructure but also redefining how people move, with a future that is more connected, sustainable, and commuter-friendly.
