Sheikh Mohammed Inspects Etihad Rail: Dubai to Fujairah Test Ride Marks Key Milestone

On August 2, 2025, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum—Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai—personally boarded the Etihad Rail passenger test train for a journey from Dubai to Fujairah. This wasn’t just a symbolic ride. It was a clear signal that the UAE’s ambitious national rail project is moving full steam ahead.

From Desert Tracks to National Backbone

Etihad Rail has long been positioned as the UAE’s next-generation mobility backbone—connecting major cities, ports, and borders through a modern, high-speed rail network. The test ride from Dubai to Fujairah marks a critical phase in the rollout of passenger services, expanding the project’s vision beyond freight.

The route cuts across the Hajar Mountains, linking the Gulf coast to the east coast in just a few hours—a trip that once took nearly double the time by road.

Why This Ride Matters

This inspection wasn’t just ceremonial. It allowed Sheikh Mohammed to directly assess:

• Operational readiness of passenger services
• Safety and comfort levels for future commuters
• Integration progress with stations, logistics hubs, and smart infrastructure

His presence also sent a strong message—Etihad Rail is not a distant vision. It’s becoming a daily reality.

A Game Changer for Travel and Trade

The Dubai-Fujairah leg is part of a broader plan to connect all seven emirates via Etihad Rail. Once fully operational, the network will:

• Cut travel time between emirates significantly
• Reduce road traffic and carbon emissions
• Strengthen economic integration across urban and rural areas

From logistics to leisure, this rail line promises a new era of convenience, sustainability, and regional connectivity.

What’s Next for Etihad Rail?

With test runs now underway and leadership visibly onboard—literally—the next milestones include:

• Final station finishing and ticketing rollout
• Onboarding and training of operations staff
• Gradual opening of routes to the public

Once complete, the UAE’s rail network will redefine how people and goods move—fast, clean, and connected.

FAQ Section

Q1: What is the Etihad Rail project?
Etihad Rail is the UAE’s national railway network, designed to connect all seven emirates with high-speed freight and passenger services.

Q2: What was the significance of the August 2 test ride?
Sheikh Mohammed inspected the first test run for passenger services from Dubai to Fujairah, marking a major step toward public launch.

Q3: How long will it take to travel from Dubai to Fujairah by train?
Once operational, the journey is expected to take significantly less time than by car—potentially under 90 minutes.

Q4: Will Etihad Rail be open to the public soon?
Passenger services are expected to gradually roll out following successful testing and infrastructure readiness.

Q5: What are the benefits of Etihad Rail?
Faster inter-emirate travel, reduced road congestion, lower emissions, and stronger economic connectivity across the UAE.