Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 30 Minutes? UAE’s High-Speed Rail Promises a Travel Revolution

What takes hours today is expected to take just 30 minutes. This is the vision of the newly announced United Arab Emirates (UAE) high-speed rail project. Etihad Rail, as the operator named it, promises speeds of up to 350 km/h.

The railway will initially connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, but in the future, it will span 11 cities across all seven Emirates, with a total length of 900 km. According to Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, this is an ambitious project that reflects the nation’s vision to enhance infrastructure and mobility to the highest standards. At the same time, it is another step toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions, a goal the UAE aims to meet by 2050.

"The project will unlock new opportunities for comprehensive development by advancing national transport and infrastructure while ensuring a sustainable future for current and future generations," states the company’s press release.

According to Dubai Crown Prince Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the concept is proof of the nation’s commitment to connecting the Emirates with advanced transportation options that set a new global standard for quality and excellence. The UAE aims to place this project at the forefront of railway sector transformation, solidifying its position as a regional and international leader in innovation.

Highlights of the historic moment witnessed by the UAE, with Etihad Rail’s inauguration of the UAE’s future high-speed train connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This milestone lays the foundation for an advanced infrastructure that embraces the future and fulfills the aspirations of… pic.twitter.com/6Hxrw2T4rB

— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) January 28, 2025

Dubai to Abu Dhabi in Just 30 Minutes

From Dubai, the most famous city in the Emirates, to the capital Abu Dhabi, the distance is approximately 140 km. By car, the journey takes around 90 minutes, while public transport can take 2.5 to 3 hours. The new high-speed rail is expected to significantly accelerate travel along the country's coastline. However, the timeline for completion and the total project cost have not yet been disclosed. Etihad Rail has only stated that the construction of the high-speed rail line will generate up to 145 billion dirhams (approx. 37.6 billion EUR) for the national budget over the next 50 years. Before high-speed trains enter service, slower trains will operate on the route, reaching speeds of 200 km/h and completing the journey between the two largest cities in under an hour. These trains will initially use existing freight rail infrastructure until the new line is completed.

According to Time Out Dubai, the train cars for the new line are being manufactured by the Spanish company CAF. The carriages will accommodate up to 400 passengers, with seating divided into Economy, Business, and First Class, similar to airplane seating arrangements. Etihad Rail promises a modern train design, with higher-class seating featuring leather upholstery and the ability to rotate. The trains will also include WiFi, air conditioning, and onboard refreshments.

Upcoming Connection to Oman

Etihad Rail is currently constructing a similar high-speed rail link to Oman, which will connect Abu Dhabi with Sohar, Oman’s largest city. The 240 km journey, which currently takes nearly three hours by car, is expected to be completed by train in just 100 minutes. This railway, provisionally named Hafeet Rail, began construction in May last year, though neither country has yet announced an expected completion date.