Residents in the UAE will soon have a new way to get around, with Etihad Rail unveiling the country’s first fully integrated passenger rail network connecting 11 cities and regions. Passenger services are expected to begin in 2026, offering a fast, reliable, and comfortable alternative to road travel.

New stations

Seven new stations will open in Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezairaa, Al Faya, and Al Dhaid, adding to previously announced stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. The stations have been strategically placed to make commuting and travel between residential areas, business hubs, and key destinations easier for residents.

The trains will run on fixed schedules, with modern interiors, ergonomic seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and power outlets at every seat. Each train can carry up to 400 passengers, with the network expected to handle around 10 million passengers annually.

Abu Dhabi-Dubai in 57 minutes

Residents can expect travel times of 57 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, 105 minutes to Fujairah, and 70 minutes to Al Ruwais. The passenger network will link destinations from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east, reducing dependency on cars and providing a convenient option for daily commuters and weekend travellers alike.

Etihad Rail confirmed that 10 of the 13 trains have already arrived in the UAE and completed safety testing. Officials said the system is being equipped with advanced technologies to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliable service for daily travel.

The network builds on Etihad Rail’s freight operations launched in 2023 and is part of the UAE’s vision for an integrated national transport system. A future high-speed rail line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is planned, expected to cut travel time to just 30 minutes and support long-term economic growth.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has rolled out a new taxi-sharing pilot service aimed at easing congestion and lowering travel costs from two of the city’s busiest transport hubs,  Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Under the new six-month trial, passengers can book shared, discounted taxi rides from DWTC to Business Bay Metro Station, Al Satwa Bus Station and Dubai Marina Mall. From Al Maktoum International Airport, shared taxis will operate to Dubai Marina Mall, Business Bay Metro Station and Palm Jumeirah – Atlantis Monorail Station.

The move follows the strong success of the Dubai–Abu Dhabi shared taxi service launched last year, which recorded a 228 per cent surge in ridership between Ibn Battuta Mall and Al Wahda Mall.

RTA said the initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion, cut fares for passengers, and deliver environmental benefits by lowering the number of single-occupancy taxi trips on busy roads.

Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said the expansion was driven by strong public demand and detailed route studies, adding that the goal is to provide safe, affordable and comfortable shared transport across key city corridors.

All shared taxis are equipped with safety monitoring systems and live tracking, RTA said.

Dubai is set to roll out a major urban transformation with the creation of 152 new parks across two key residential districts, bringing green spaces within a 150-metre walk of homes and redefining family-friendly city living. The plan also includes more than 33km of cycling tracks, central community parks, and new majlis and wedding halls.

During a meeting of The Executive Council, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved a major package of policies and strategic frameworks aimed at strengthening urban planning, housing, and digital resilience across the emirate.

Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai is advancing on a people-first development path that strengthens its position as a global model in urban and social planning.
“Citizen welfare and family empowerment form the foundation of Dubai’s future plans,” he said, adding that the focus is on building socially connected, service-integrated communities that enhance quality of life.

New residential planning model

The Executive Council approved a pioneering planning framework for citizens’ residential areas, designed to enhance quality of life, social stability, and sustainable living, while supporting the Dubai Urban Plan 2040.

The model promotes:

• Walkable, interconnected neighbourhoods
• Shaded pedestrian paths and cycling tracks
• Active, community-focused parks and public spaces
• The revival of the traditional Fareej concept to strengthen social bonds

Open spaces will be transformed into vibrant hubs for cultural, social, and community activities, encouraging interaction and a stronger sense of belonging.

152 new parks and cycling networks

As part of the plan, 152 parks will be added across Madinat Latifa and Al Yalayis, ensuring residents are no more than 150 metres from a park. More than 33 kilometres of cycling paths will be introduced, alongside:

• Central community parks
• New community majlis
• Wedding halls

This supports Dubai’s 20-Minute City vision, creating an interconnected network of green spaces within easy reach of homes.

In Madinat Latifa, around 11% of the area will be dedicated to green and open spaces, with:

• 12km of walking and cycling paths
• Facilities spread across 3,000 hectares
• Housing for 141,000 residents
• 18,500 homes and 77 parks

In Al Yalayis, a new green corridor will link residential areas with recreational, service and commercial zones across 1,108 hectares, serving:

• 66,000 residents
• 8,000 residential plots
• 75 parks

Digital Resilience Policy approved

The Executive Council also approved Dubai’s Digital Resilience Policy, a comprehensive framework to protect digital infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted digital services.

The policy supports the Dubai Digital Strategy 2023 and focuses on:

• Strengthening cyber protection
• Safeguarding critical digital assets
• Ensuring service continuity
• Improving emergency response and recovery

It introduces a structured governance framework, performance indicators, and coordinated public-private sector collaboration to protect data centres, cloud platforms, networks, and user devices.

Executive Council Agenda 2026

The Council reviewed achievements under the 2025 agenda and approved the 2026 plan, which will drive the priorities of the Dubai Plan 2033 across key sectors including:

• Social development
• Infrastructure
• Economy and investment
• Entrepreneurship
• Security, justice and public services

Together, the new policies and planning frameworks reinforce Dubai’s long-term vision of building family-focused, resilient, digitally advanced and sustainable communities.