The way people move around the UAE is about to get a major upgrade. A national rail plan that once seemed like a distant idea is now very real and happening fast, and it’s going to redefine daily life for residents across the country.
In a huge step forward, Etihad Rail has teamed up with the global transport operator Keolis International. Together, they’ve created a new company called Etihad Rail Mobility. Their one job is to get the UAE's first-ever national passenger train service up and running by 2026.
The People Behind the Plan
If you're wondering if they can pull this off, just look at their track record. Keolis International is the same company that already runs the Dubai Metro and Tram. They handle over 700,000 passenger trips every single day, so they know exactly what it takes to manage a world-class system.
Now, they are taking that expertise nationwide. The timeline is tight. Services are planned to start in 2026, and they are aiming for a massive 36 million riders a year by 2030. The 900-kilometer network will connect the emirates like never before, kicking off a new era of easy, sustainable travel.
It’s Not Just About the Train
This project is about more than just laying down tracks. It aims to solve one of the biggest headaches of modern travel: the first and last parts of your journey. So what do these “connected transport services” actually look like in practice?
It means you can stop piecing together your trip with different apps and tickets. Etihad Rail Mobility will manage an entire integrated network.
- Feeder Buses: These will be timed to get you to and from the stations without a long wait.
- Station Parking: Ample parking facilities will make it easy to drive, park, and ride.
- Unified Systems: Expect a single ticketing system that covers your whole journey, from bus to train.
Think about leaving your car at a station in one emirate, hopping on a train, and finding a connecting bus waiting for you at your destination. That is the goal: one smooth, stress-free experience.
The Real Impact: Cities and Investments
The convenience is great for commuters, but the long-term effects on the UAE’s cities and investment scene are even bigger. The main question for any investor is simple: how will this affect property values along that 900-kilometer line?
The answer is, significantly. We have seen it happen all over the world. When you introduce reliable, fast public transport, property values near the stations almost always go up. It creates new economic centers and makes communities that once felt far away suddenly much more desirable.
An investment strategist at Gulf Capital Insights weighed in on the shift, highlighting the massive potential. “The ripple effect on real estate is going to be huge, especially for properties close to the new stations that connect to prime spots in Dubai,” he explained. “We’re expecting a serious re-evaluation of land prices and development projects.”
This network does not just connect cities. It builds value along every kilometer of track.
Getting Ready for 2026
With the 2026 launch date getting closer, the work has already started. Etihad Rail Mobility is hiring and training a whole new workforce, from engineers and conductors to station staff. The goal is to be fully ready for operations by the end of next year.
This is more than just another big project. It is a clear signal about the UAE’s future. A future that is better connected, more sustainable, and full of new opportunities for its people and economy. The countdown to 2026 is on.