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Launch in 2026: UAE’s 1,200-km rail network will connect all seven emirates with seamless last-mile transport links and unified ticketing
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Integrated transport through NOL card
The UAE’s Etihad Rail project is set to transform national mobility when passenger services launch in 2026, offering full integration with metro, bus, and taxi networks across all emirates. The move will include a unified ticketing system via Dubai’s NOL card, enabling passengers to travel across rail and other transport services without separate tickets. The 1,200-kilometre network will connect 11 cities, providing high-speed inter-emirate travel with unmatched commuter convenience, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Unified public transport system to streamline intercity and local travel nationwide
- Etihad Rail stations in Dubai will directly link to feeder buses, metro lines, and taxi ranks, ensuring smooth transfers
- Similar connections are planned in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Fujairah, integrating local public transport systems into the national network
This approach aims to improve last-mile connectivity, encourage public transport use, and reduce reliance on private vehicles.
In partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Etihad Rail will allow passengers to use a single NOL card across all transport modes, eliminating the need for multiple payment systems. This integration will simplify journeys, boost ridership, and align with the UAE’s sustainability goals under the Net Zero by 2050 initiative.
The first passenger phase will connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. As the network expands to full operations, the service will span 900 kilometres and link all seven emirates, with stations designed for easy access to local transport hubs. Trains will carry up to 400 passengers each, with a projected annual ridership of 36.5 million by 2030.
