Union Railways yesterday announced the full details of the UAE's passenger railway network, a key step reflecting its commitment to developing the country's transport and infrastructure. The passenger rail network will connect 11 cities and regions with strategic stations, forming the first national integrated railway system for passenger transport. This will enhance connectivity between the emirates and provide safe, reliable transport for citizens, residents, and tourists. The company stated that the first four main stations in the network were announced in early 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, while the remaining stations in The Seih, Al Dhafra, Mina, Mohamed bin Zayed City, Mezaira, Al Faya, and Al Dhaid are being announced today, to be operational in phases. The Executive Vice President of Union Railways for Passenger Services, Engineer Azza Al Suwaidi, confirmed the strategic dimension of the project, saying: "Our readiness to launch passenger services through the national railway network in 2026 is a translation of our leadership's vision in building an integrated transport system that supports the country's economic and social fabric." She added: "The passenger rail network is a vital pillar in the national transport system, supporting the country's development path and enhancing the interconnection between its emirates. It also reflects our continuous success since 2023 in operating freight trains." She continued: "This national achievement is the result of the concerted efforts of all partners and stakeholders, and it relies on distinguished national expertise and cadres supported by the best global practices. We also ensured to equip the network with the latest fleet of trains and the best technologies in cooperation with global operators to ensure the highest levels of quality, reliability, and safety." Al Suwaidi emphasized the national identity and future vision, saying: "Our trains have a strong Emirati identity that enhances national cohesion, and they represent a long-term national investment in the transport and infrastructure sectors." These strategic projects contribute to boosting domestic tourism and setting a new regional standard for sustainable, human-centered mobility, contributing to the enhancement of community well-being and quality of life." According to Union Railways, the trains have been designed to provide a comfortable and modern travel experience, including comfortable and safe seats, modern interior designs, full Wi-Fi coverage, as well as individual power outlets at each seat. The service will operate on a regular and precise timetable, representing an excellent and reliable alternative for passengers, ensuring smooth travel between cities away from road congestion. In this context, the Head of the Projects Sector at Union Railways, Engineer Mohammed Al Shamsi, provided additional details on the operational processes for passenger transport services, noting that the main station locations were carefully chosen to be within vital residential and economic centers, such as Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, "Jumeirah Golf Estates" in Dubai, University City in Sharjah, and Al Hilal City in Fujairah. He pointed out that the selection of all station locations was coordinated with local authorities to ensure their proximity to residential communities and harmony with the urban planning of each emirate. He added: "Passenger trains are designed to offer a reliable and efficient mobility option between cities, providing a calm and comfortable travel experience. 10 trains out of the 13 in the network's fleet have arrived in the country, all of which have undergone rigorous testing and been approved according to the highest global quality and safety standards. Each train can accommodate up to 400 passengers, enabling the fleet to transport around 10 million passengers annually." Regarding the network development works, he said: "This achievement is the fruit of diligent work that continued for three years of planning, design, and execution, with a total of 24.5 million work hours and the participation of more than 7,000 experts and workers." The passenger rail network is expected to achieve, in addition to its role in enhancing mobility, wide-ranging national benefits, including boosting domestic tourism, supporting traffic flow, contributing to reducing carbon emissions, as well as strengthening social and economic ties between the emirates and improving the community's quality of life. • The operation of the "Network" stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, The Seih, Al Dhafra, Mina, Mohamed bin Zayed City, Mezaira, Al Faya, and Al Dhaid will be done in phases.
