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.

Airports across the UAE have urged passengers to closely monitor their flight schedules, as heavy fog continues to disrupt operations. In an advisory posted on X (formerly Twitter), Sharjah Airport said several flights have been delayed or cancelled due to low visibility, with travellers advised to check updates before heading out.

The impact extended to Dubai International Airport (DXB) as well, where airlines, including flydubai, Emirates and IndiGo, reported significant delays and rescheduling throughout the morning, according to the DXB website.

This isn’t the first time fog has thrown travel plans off track in the UAE. Over the years, dense early-morning fog has repeatedly caused delays at major hubs like Dubai International and Sharjah Airport, especially during the winter months when visibility often drops without warning.

With some of the world’s busiest flight schedules to manage, even short periods of low visibility can trigger a domino effect of rescheduling, leaving airlines scrambling and travellers facing longer waits.

With both arrivals and departures affected, travellers are being advised to check directly with their airline or visit the DXB website before leaving for the airport to avoid last-minute surprises.