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Etihad Rail reveals UAE passenger network: Faster, easier travel for residents from 2026

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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.







With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Motorist alert: Abu Dhabi lowers speed limits on major roads from this Monday

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Drivers in Abu Dhabi are being advised to slow down and check road signage as new lower speed limits come into force on three of the capital’s busiest roads from Monday, February 9.

Abu Dhabi Mobility has confirmed that the updated limits apply to key routes leading to Al Ain, Bani Yas, and Al Rawdah, as part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and traffic flow.

Which roads are affected?

E22 Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Road

  • Speed limit reduced from 160km/h to 140km/h
  • Applies from Al Nahda Interchange to Bani Yas Interchange
  • In effect, in both directions

Bani Yas Interchange to Bridge Complex

  • Speed limit reduced from 140km/h to 120km/h
  • Applies in both directions

E30 Al Rawdah Road

  • Speed limit reduced from 120km/h to 100km/h
  • Applies in both directions

Motorists are advised to watch for updated road signage and adjust their driving accordingly.

Part of wider road safety changes

The latest reductions are part of a broader series of traffic and speed management measures introduced across Abu Dhabi in recent months.

Previously announced changes include:

  • Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed International Road: reduced from 160km/h to 140km/h
  • Abu Dhabi–Sweihan Road: reduced from 120km/h to 100km/h
  • A reduction to the minimum speed limit on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road in late 2025
  • Introduction of variable speed limits on Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street, with limits set at 100km/h or 80km/h depending on factors such as weather and traffic conditions

Authorities say the measures are designed to enhance road safety, traffic flow and accident prevention, particularly on high-speed routes.

Advice for motorists

Drivers are urged to:

  • Follow updated speed limit signs
  • Allow extra travel time
  • Stay alert to variable speed limits
  • Avoid fines by complying with the new regulations

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Dubai officially launches fully autonomous taxis as Sheikh Hamdan rides Baidu driverless vehicle

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Dubai has officially launched the operational phase of fully autonomous RT6 taxi vehicles, marking a major milestone in the emirate’s push toward future mobility and smart transport solutions.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, inaugurated the service after taking a ride in the driverless RT6 taxi, developed by Baidu Apollo Go, to the World Governments Summit at Madinat Jumeirah.

The move clears the way for the public launch of autonomous taxi services in the first quarter of 2026.

Why AI taxis are good for city roads

The RT6 autonomous taxis rely on artificial intelligence, advanced sensors and real-time decision-making systems to operate safely across urban environments and open roads.

Each vehicle is equipped with more than 40 sensors, including:

  • LiDAR
  • Radar
  • High-resolution cameras

These systems allow the taxis to detect surroundings, respond instantly to traffic conditions and navigate complex city streets with precision.

The vehicles use advanced software that combines real-time data, high-definition maps and deep-learning algorithms, enabling them to safely interact with intersections, pedestrians and other vehicles while fully complying with traffic laws.

Proven technology with global track record

Baidu’s autonomous driving platform has already completed more than 150 million kilometres of safe driving worldwide and delivered over 10 million passenger trips, providing a mature and reliable foundation for large-scale deployment in Dubai.

Rapid rollout through global partnerships

The project is the result of close collaboration between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Baidu Apollo Go, following initial discussions at the World Governments Summit 2025.

The launch aligns with Dubai’s long-term vision to expand autonomous transport solutions, reduce reliance on private vehicles, enhance road safety and improve overall mobility efficiency across the city.






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WhatsApp refund message binding, events firm must pay Dh13,000, says Abu Dhabi court

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The Abu Dhabi Commercial Court of First Instance has ordered an events management company to refund Dh13,000 to a woman after ruling that the company had confirmed the refund in writing via phone messages but failed to repay the amount.

According to court records, the woman filed a lawsuit seeking recovery of the money she paid to organise a private event, along with legal interest, expedited enforcement, and compensation for court costs and legal fees.

Refund promised after event shortcomings

The claimant told the court that she had entered into a contract with the company to organise a private function. The agreement explicitly stated that payments would be refunded in the event of organisational shortcomings.

She said the company later acknowledged defects in the event arrangements and agreed to return the full amount, but failed to do so despite repeated follow-ups, according to reports.

WhatsApp messages used as evidence

To support her claim, the woman submitted:

  • A copy of the signed contract
  • A company-issued document
  • Bank transfer records
  • WhatsApp messages exchanged with the company’s representative

The messages included a written confirmation that the company would refund Dh13,000 within 14 days of the event date.

Company disputes claim

The company’s owner attended the hearing and requested the case be dismissed, arguing that the claimant lacked legal standing. Alternatively, he asked the court to reject the claim, stating the woman was not entitled to interest because she was not a trader.

Court rejects defence, orders payment with interest

In its ruling, the court found that the documents established a valid contractual relationship between both parties. It noted that the WhatsApp messages were sent from the same phone number listed in the contract, confirming they were issued by the company’s representative.

The court said there was no evidence the refund had been made, and ruled that the owner’s appearance did not negate the debt or its value.

On interest, the court held that the unpaid amount constituted a known and confirmed debt, and that delay in payment entitled the claimant to compensation.

The company was ordered to:

  • Pay Dh13,000
  • Pay delay interest at 3% per year from the date of filing the claim until full settlement (capped at the principal amount)
  • Cover court costs and legal fees

The ruling highlights that written commitments made via WhatsApp or phone messages can carry legal weight in UAE courts, particularly when linked to a valid contract.

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