It’s time to ditch the days of being stuck in cross-emirate traffic, because Etihad Rail has just revealed plans for a super-fast train that will connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi in just 30 minutes! That’s right – what used to be a 60-minute journey could soon be cut in half. Imagine grabbing coffee in Abu Dhabi and being back in Dubai before your playlist even ends. 30 minutes is even less than the amount of time it takes for the Dubai metro to reach from end to end. I have all the incredible details you want to know, so keep reading to find out more.
Also read: 7 Transportation Innovations That Will Change How You Travel in the UAE
How Fast Are We Talking?
This isn’t your average train. The new high-speed rail will travel at up to 350km/h, making it one of the fastest ways to move around the UAE. It’s being designed to connect not only major cities but also important destinations and tourist hotspots. Up until now, Etihad Rail has been focused on freight, but that’s all about to change. The plan is to expand to passenger services across all emirates, offering a brand-new way for people to travel around the UAE.
When Can We Catch A Ride?
We’ll all have to hang tight for this one – while the announcement is a big step forward, there’s still some work to be done. Etihad Rail is currently finalising contracts and waiting on approvals for the full design of the network. So, while we won’t be hopping on board tomorrow, this update shows that real progress is being made.
The First Fleet Of Passenger Trains
Alongside the high-speed service, Etihad Rail also revealed a sneak peek at the UAE’s first passenger train fleet. These trains will run at a slightly slower 200km/h (if you can even call that slow), but they’re still designed for quick and smooth travel across different parts of the country. And the best part is, the first four passenger stations are already in the works! You’ll be able to hop on board from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. All these locations have been chosen to give as many people as possible access to the network. Each station will connect to metro lines and bus routes, so getting around will be easier than ever. Plus, the stations will be equipped with business lounges, retail outlets, and family-friendly areas to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable
The Future Is Looking Speedy
Sadly, these high-speed trains aren’t up and running for us, just yet. But this announcement is a huge step toward faster, smarter, and more connected travel across the UAE. So, for all the daily commuters out there, the Etihad Rail passenger service is definitely something to look forward to!
