His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, inspected the Union Train by taking a journey from Dubai to Fujairah. This visit highlights his dedication to overseeing key developmental projects aligned with the comprehensive infrastructure development plans aimed at benefiting various regions across the nation, while also assessing the progress being made to meet the strategic objectives set for the future.
His Highness:
Proud of our national projects and the Union Train team led by Dhiyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed
The train is a vital component of our vision to create an interconnected network that meets development needs
This project embodies the spirit of unity and supports the ambitions of its citizens to enhance national capabilities
Proud of a nation that never stops working, continually adding to its future infrastructure
Strengthening the foundations of unity with quality additions that serve citizens and ensure national excellence while providing well-being
His Highness praised the significant project, which is set to commence commercial operations in 2026. It is viewed as one of the most important infrastructure projects in the UAE due to its substantial positive impact on various developmental, economic, and social aspects. He remarked, “The Union Train is an essential economic artery and a vital bridge that enhances the UAE’s journey towards the future. It forms a key part of our vision to create an integrated network that aligns with developmental requirements and bolsters the nation’s status as an advanced logistic hub on both regional and global scales, facilitating the movement of people and goods.”
National Capabilities
He further stated, “This strategic project reflects the spirit of union and affirms the aspirations of its citizens, showcasing their commitment to enhancing the nation’s capabilities across all sectors. We are focused on achieving accomplishments that underline the uniqueness of the UAE model in developing human-centered projects that aim to elevate the quality of life. The Union Train is a crucial support element for sustainability and a vital economic artery, serving as an effective bridge connecting our citizens across different emirates.”
His Highness expressed gratitude for the efforts of the large team behind this honorable achievement, which has been accomplished under the leadership and supervision of His Highness Sheikh Dhiyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Union Railways Company. He stated, “We look forward to completing this national project with confidence and a clear vision toward a future where we continue to consolidate the foundations of unity through quality additions that serve citizens, emphasize national pride, and provide all the components necessary for comfort and prosperity for everyone living on its land.”
His Highness shared on his social media platform: “During a journey from Dubai to Fujairah aboard the Union Train, the train will connect 11 cities and regions within the country, reaching speeds of 200 km/h.
It will transport 36 million passengers by 2030, starting operations next year, God willing. I am proud of our national projects and the Union Train team led by Dhiyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed. I take pride in a country that does not cease to work but adds a new building block every day to its future infrastructure.”
He listened to a presentation from the Union Railways Company team, which is responsible for developing and operating the national rail network in the UAE, regarding the various stages of the project’s development. The team expressed pride in this esteemed visit by His Highness and the historic journey he undertook aboard the train from Dubai to Fujairah, recognizing it as a pivotal moment in the history of this strategic project. They affirmed that this honorable gesture serves as significant motivation to continue the development and operation of the national rail network in accordance with the highest international standards and specifications.
Supporting National Projects
Dhiyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed:
The wise leadership supports projects that achieve our nation’s renaissance
We are on the verge of a transformative phase in the transport landscape of the nation
On this occasion, His Highness Sheikh Dhiyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Union Railways Company, stated: “We are honored to host my father, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on the passenger train journey between Dubai and Fujairah. This step reflects the commitment of the UAE’s wise leadership to support national projects that contribute to the renaissance of our nation. His Highness has witnessed the development of the network through its various stages since the announcement of the Fifty Projects in 2021, through the inauguration of the complete national rail network, to the operational launch of freight trains in 2023, and now we find ourselves on the brink of a transformative phase in the nation’s transportation scene. We take pride and appreciate the support we have received for our national project, which leads us towards a better future, contributing to enhancing economic connectivity within the nation and boosting our global competitiveness.”
This historic journey embodies the UAE’s vision of achieving a connected and sustainable future. The passenger train will enhance social ties within the nation, simplify individuals’ lives, and enable them to travel easily between various destinations and key attractions in the emirates, which will undoubtedly promote tourism, economic, and social development.
The passenger stations in Dubai and Fujairah will serve as key points in the national rail network for transporting passengers upon its launch next year. The national project, developed and operated by the Union Railways Company, will provide a safe, advanced, and eco-friendly transport option that enhances connectivity between different regions of the nation, offering citizens, residents, and visitors a seamless and integrated travel experience, adhering to the highest standards of efficiency, reliability, quality, and safety, consistent with the leading position the nation has achieved in the transportation and railway sectors, which sets a benchmark to follow in the region.
Logistical Services
2026: Launch of Commercial Operations for the Train
Connecting 11 cities and regions from the goods area to Fujairah
36.5 million passengers are expected to utilize it annually by 2030
The passenger train project, part of the national rail network in the UAE, is positioned as a leading transportation initiative that outlines a comprehensive future for the transportation and logistics services sector within the nation, in alignment with its national strategies. The train will connect 11 cities and regions, including key urban areas, from the goods area to Fujairah, exemplifying unity and interconnectivity while maintaining sustainability standards, contributing to the UAE’s climate neutrality goals by 2050.
The national network, through both the freight and passenger train projects, will fundamentally transform the transportation of individuals and goods across the nation, establishing new benchmarks for transport in the region.
Union Railways continues its efforts to ensure readiness for the anticipated train operation, showcasing a fleet capable of running at speeds of 200 km/h, with the first four stations established in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, facilitating passenger access to rail services, enhancing connectivity, reducing travel times, and bridging distances to improve quality of life.
The passenger train has the capacity to accommodate 400 passengers per train and is expected to contribute to transporting 36.5 million travelers annually by the year 2030.