About Etihad Rail
Etihad Rail is the developer and operator of the UAE's national railway network. Established in 2009, it was created to build a railway connecting the country's main cities, ports and industrial areas, and to provide a new option for moving freight and passengers.
The network links the seven emirates and extends from the border with Saudi Arabia in the west to Fujairah on the east coast. Key connections include major ports such as Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali, industrial zones and population centres.
Freight services were the first priority. Trains can carry large volumes of goods, such as aggregates, containers, sulphur and building materials, more efficiently than trucks over long distances. Moving freight by rail can reduce road congestion, transport costs and emissions.
The full national freight network became operational in 2023, marking a major milestone for the project.
Passenger services are planned to connect cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, offering an alternative to driving between emirates. Faster rail links have also been planned to shorten travel times between major cities.
Etihad Rail has formed partnerships with logistics companies, port operators and industrial firms to develop services and facilities, such as freight terminals and logistics hubs.
The railway is part of the UAE's long-term plans to strengthen its position as a global trade and logistics hub and to support economic growth.
Regional rail connections, including links to neighbouring countries, are part of wider plans for Gulf railway integration.
Etihad Rail is a national infrastructure company rather than a startup, and Startups UAE lists it among the UAE's logistics and transport organisations.
The network links the seven emirates and extends from the border with Saudi Arabia in the west to Fujairah on the east coast. Key connections include major ports such as Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali, industrial zones and population centres.
Freight services were the first priority. Trains can carry large volumes of goods, such as aggregates, containers, sulphur and building materials, more efficiently than trucks over long distances. Moving freight by rail can reduce road congestion, transport costs and emissions.
The full national freight network became operational in 2023, marking a major milestone for the project.
Passenger services are planned to connect cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, offering an alternative to driving between emirates. Faster rail links have also been planned to shorten travel times between major cities.
Etihad Rail has formed partnerships with logistics companies, port operators and industrial firms to develop services and facilities, such as freight terminals and logistics hubs.
The railway is part of the UAE's long-term plans to strengthen its position as a global trade and logistics hub and to support economic growth.
Regional rail connections, including links to neighbouring countries, are part of wider plans for Gulf railway integration.
Etihad Rail is a national infrastructure company rather than a startup, and Startups UAE lists it among the UAE's logistics and transport organisations.