Etihad Rail to Connect with Al Maktoum International Airport, Ushering in New Era of Seamless Travel

The planned Etihad Rail network in the United Arab Emirates is set to include a dedicated stop at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), a move expected to reshape the nation’s transport and travel landscape. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, outlined a vision where passengers could check in their luggage at train stations before boarding, linking air and rail travel into one smooth, end-to-end journey.

Once complete, this integration will position the UAE among a select group of nations offering a unified transport ecosystem. Travelers will be able to move directly from city centers to airport terminals without the need to handle their baggage twice. Griffiths noted that relocating all Emirates and Flydubai operations from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to DWC will be a major logistical task, but one that is essential as DXB continues to operate near full capacity.

According to a report by FlightGlobal, Griffiths described the transition as part of a wider plan to prepare the country’s aviation infrastructure for future demand. The Etihad Rail network will support this expansion by connecting DWC to key cities across the Emirates, offering a sustainable and efficient way for travelers to access the airport.

Once operational, passengers will be able to board trains from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or Fujairah, check in their luggage during the journey, and arrive at DWC ready to fly.

Etihad Rail, the developer of the UAE’s national railway, is advancing toward the launch of passenger services by 2026. The network will link 11 cities and regions from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east, passing through key urban centers such as Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. A report by WAM noted that the project aims to meet the highest standards of safety, comfort, and efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

At the Global Rail 2025 Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Azza Alsuwaidi, deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, said the company is working with transport authorities and municipalities to ensure passengers enjoy a smooth, connected experience. The trains will carry up to 400 passengers per trip, with travel times of 57 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and 105 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

Etihad Rail is also developing a high-speed service between Abu Dhabi and Dubai that will cut travel time to just 30 minutes, with trains reaching speeds of 350 kilometers per hour. Alsuwaidi said the project could contribute around AED 145 billion to the UAE’s GDP over the next five decades.

To support last-mile connectivity, Etihad Rail signed a Memorandum of Understanding with global technology firm Yango Group in October 2025. The partnership will integrate ride-hailing services with the rail network, offering passengers seamless transfers between stations and their destinations.

As Dubai shifts its aviation hub to DWC, the combination of Etihad Rail and smart mobility platforms like Yango will make the airport one of the most connected in the world. This integrated network is set to enhance convenience for travelers, strengthen sustainability goals, and reaffirm the UAE’s position as a global leader in advanced transport infrastructure.