On the vast desert of the United Arab Emirates, the steel dragon is extending at an unprecedented speed. Ten years ago, long-distance freight transportation here mainly relied on highways; Nowadays, a national railway network spanning seven emirates has emerged on paper, allowing for efficient circulation of goods and revolutionary changes in the intercity travel of millions of residents and tourists. The prelude to this transportation reform is slowly unfolding with the implementation of one project after another.

The embryonic form of the national railway network has emerged

The railway dream of the United Arab Emirates began with freight transportation. In 2016, the first phase of the Etihad Rail freight railway project was completed, successfully connecting the Habchan and Shah areas of Abu Dhabi to the port of Ruhais. By 2023, a nationwide freight network connecting all emirates will be officially established, opening a new chapter in cross-border freight transportation.

But this is just the beginning. According to the latest plan, Etihad Rail's passenger service will be officially launched in 2026, connecting 11 major cities and regions across the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. The line will have 11 stations including Al Sila, Al Dhannah, and Al Mirfa, with trains operating at speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour. This means that in the future, commuting time between major cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be significantly reduced, making cross city living, work, and travel more convenient for people.

The subway and tram go hand in hand

Within the city, the rail transit network is also rapidly expanding. As the busiest autonomous metro system in the Middle East, Dubai Metro currently has two lines, the Red Line and the Green Line, with a total length of 89.6 kilometers and 53 stations, carrying a large number of passengers daily.

The new route is being intensively planned and constructed. In December 2024, the Dubai Transport Authority awarded the contract for the Dubai Metro Blue Line Project to a consortium consisting of Türkiye Limak Holding Company, Mapa Group and CRRC Hong Kong Branch. This new line, with a total length of 30 kilometers and 14 stations, will significantly improve transportation connections in some areas of Dubai.

In addition, the procurement process for the Dubai Metro Gold Line has also been initiated. The route is planned to depart from Al Ghubaiba in Burdubai, extend parallel to the red line, and then lead to hotspots such as Business Bay, Medan, Global Village, and Dubai Paradise, which is expected to further alleviate urban traffic pressure and stimulate economic development along the route.

In the capital city of Abu Dhabi, the construction of urban rail transit is also accelerating. In October 2025, Abu Dhabi Transport Company announced the planning scheme for Tram Line 4. The route is planned to connect Zayed International Airport, Yas Island, and surrounding tourist and residential areas. It is expected to start construction in 2026 and be put into operation in 2030, aiming to serve the growing air passenger flow and tourism demand.

The blueprint for high-speed rail has been drawn up, and regional connectivity has been upgraded

With a focus on the longer-term future, the United Arab Emirates has planned a higher speed railway network. Among them, the Abu Dhabi Dubai high-speed rail project is particularly noteworthy. As the first phase of the UAE high-speed rail network, the line has a total length of 150 kilometers, a design speed of up to 350 kilometers per hour, and an operating speed of up to 320 kilometers per hour. It is expected to be completed and opened to traffic before 2030.

This is not just an intercity express line, but also an artery for regional development. The follow-up plan also includes the construction of Abu Dhabi urban rail transit network, Abu Dhabi Ain railway line, and Dubai Sharjah railway line. These projects will collectively form a multi-level and efficient national comprehensive transportation system, effectively promoting economic integration and social development. Keywords: international news, Middle East information, transportation information

The railway story of the United Arab Emirates is an epic about speed, connectivity, and ambition, from freight lines in the desert to criss crossing urban tracks, and finally to high-speed railways roaring towards the future. In this grand picture, technology, equipment, and construction experience from China are becoming an indispensable part, working together to help this land move towards a more interconnected tomorrow.Editor/Yang Meiling