His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, recently visited the Union Rail project, taking a journey from Dubai to Fujairah. This visit highlights his commitment to overseeing key developmental projects that are part of the comprehensive infrastructure plans serving various regions of the country, as well as assessing the progress made in line with the nation’s strategic goals for the future.
He praised the significant project, which is set to commence commercial operations in 2026, marking it as one of the most vital infrastructure developments in the UAE. Its positive impact on various developmental, economic, and social levels is expected to be substantial. He stated, “The Union Rail is an essential economic artery and a crucial bridge that enhances the UAE’s journey towards the future. It is a cornerstone of our vision to establish a connected network that meets development needs and promotes the nation’s position as a leading logistics hub regionally and globally, facilitating the movement of people and goods.”
Moreover, he emphasized that this strategic initiative embodies the spirit of unity and supports the aspirations of its citizens, reflecting their commitment to enhancing the nation’s capabilities in all sectors. He reiterated that the Union Rail is a key element in the sustainability framework and a vital economic channel that fosters communication among the residents of the various Emirates.
His Highness expressed appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the large team behind this esteemed achievement, guided by His Highness Sheikh Diab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Union Rail Company, which significantly contributes to a sustainable transportation system. He said, “We aim to complete this national project with confidence and a clear vision for a future where we continue to lay down the foundations of unity, adding quality services that benefit citizens and affirm the prestige of the nation, providing a high standard of living for everyone on its land.”
During the ride, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum received insights from the Union Rail team, which is responsible for developing and operating the national railway network in the UAE. The team expressed their pride in this distinguished visit and the historical journey undertaken by His Highness on the train from Dubai to Fujairah, viewing it as a landmark event in the project’s timeline. They affirmed that this significant gesture serves as a major motivation to continue the development and operation of the national railway network in accordance with the highest global standards.
On this occasion, His Highness Sheikh Diab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated, “It was an honor to host His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on this passenger train journey between Dubai and Fujairah. This initiative reflects the leadership of the UAE’s commitment to supporting national projects that contribute to our country’s progress, a commitment we have consistently seen from His Highness during various phases of the network’s development, dating back to the announcement of the ‘Fifty Projects’ in 2021, through to the launch of the complete national railway network and the commencement of freight operations in 2023. Today, we are on the brink of a transformative step in the transportation scene within the country, and we take pride in and value the support received for our national project, guiding us towards a better future where we enhance economic connectivity and integration across the nation, benefiting our country and elevating its global competitiveness.”
This historic journey embodies the UAE’s vision of achieving a connected and sustainable future, as the passenger train will strengthen social ties across the country, making it easier for individuals to travel between various destinations and key landmarks in the Emirates, undoubtedly boosting tourism, economic, and social development.
The passenger stations in Dubai and Fujairah will serve as key hubs within the national rail network once operational next year, offering a safe, advanced, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation that connects different regions of the country. This initiative, developed and operated by the Union Rail Company, will provide citizens, residents, and visitors with a seamless travel experience, adhering to the highest standards of efficiency, reliability, quality, and safety, while aligning with the UAE’s leading position in the transportation and railway sector—a model that sets a benchmark in the region.
The passenger rail project is part of the national railway network and is recognized as a pioneering transportation initiative that outlines the future of the UAE’s transportation and logistics sector. Once operational, it will connect 11 cities and regions, including major towns and communities from Al Gharbia to Fujairah, symbolizing national unity and connectivity while upholding sustainability standards, assisting the UAE in achieving its climate neutrality goals by 2050.
The national network through its freight and passenger rail projects is expected to revolutionize transportation methods for individuals and goods across the country, establishing new transportation standards in the region.
Union Rail continues its efforts to ensure the highest levels of efficiency, quality, safety, and reliability in preparation for the train’s anticipated launch, having unveiled a train fleet operating at speeds of 200 km/h and announced the first four stations located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. These developments will facilitate access to railway transportation services, enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and improve accessibility, ultimately elevating the citizens’ quality of life.
With a capacity of approximately 400 passengers per train, it is projected that the train will transport 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030.