Sheikh Theyab reviews progress on Etihad Rail ahead of launch

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Chairman of Etihad Rail, has reviewed the progress of the UAE's first passenger rail network ahead of its 2026 launch.

He joined a high-level delegation in reviewing the features of the passenger train and the construction work at the Mohamed bin Zayed City station.

Sheikh Theyab also chaired a meeting of the company’s Board of Directors at the station to evaluated the work at the recently unveiled stations in Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a, Al Faya and Al Dhaid.

The board was also briefed on Etihad Rail’s freight operations, which transported more than 6.5 million tonnes of sulphur, over 10 million tonnes of aggregates, and 148,000 containers in 2025, eliminating the use of more than 500,000 trucks in the Al Dhafra region.

Etihad Rail will strengthen connectivity between the emirates and provided safe and reliable transport solutions for citizens, residents, and visitors alike. It will feature a fleet of 13 state-of-the-art trains, with the first phase connecting 11 cities, including Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa and Madinat Zayed.

The board also reviewed work on Hafeet Rail, the first cross-border rail network between UAE–Oman that has seen 30 per cent in completion.