The UAE’s national rail company, Etihad Rail has secured funding to advance connectivity in the region. Adding to its 1,200km network, Etihad Rail aims to connect more than 11 different locations. This network spans from the Saudi border to the eastern coast at Fujairah, integrating key trade and industrial hubs, and is a vital part of the larger Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) railway project, which will eventually connect the UAE with neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman. 

Etihad Rail will also be introducing advanced high-speed trains specifically designed to tackle the UAE’s heat for passenger comfort. Through its collaboration with Liebherr, the trains will be fitted with advanced HVAC systems. These systems are designed to maintain a comfortable indoor climate below 23°C even when outside temperatures soar to 60°C. As the UAE traveller numbers are on the rise, comfortable transport options will appeal to domestic and international travellers alike. 

The new trains are capable of taking 400 passengers per train, travelling up to 200km per hour. This would reduce the travel time from Abu Dhabi to Dubai to just 50 minutes. Expecting to serve 16 million passengers and transport 50 million tonnes of freight per year, it will significantly reduce travel time.

Etihad Rail is also currently working with Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment on Hafeet Rail, a service that will slash travel time between Sohar in Oman with Abu Dhabi by 50%, while transporting around 14,000 passengers a day.