The Etihad Rail project is becoming one of the most significant infrastructure milestones in the United Arab Emirates in recent years. The new railway network will connect all major emirates, strategic economic zones, and industrial areas, reducing travel times by up to 40%. With speeds of up to 200 km/h, the trains will be able to connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai, for example, in less than an hour.
A New Transport Backbone – Connecting Cities and Communities The planned railway network will cover up to 900 km, connecting 11 key cities and regions across all seven emirates.
🚆 Key Etihad Rail Stops
- Al Sila, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa – Western regions of Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi City – The capital
- Dubai South – Near Expo City, close to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
- Dubai Festival City – Rent increase of 23%
- Sharjah, Al Dhaid – East of Dubai
- Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah – Northern and eastern emirates
The Reality of the Near Future: Etihad Rail will make cities so accessible that you could easily live in Ajman, work in Abu Dhabi, and spend the weekend in Fujairah – all without needing a car.
Key Benefits for Investors and Residents
- Reduced Reliance on Cars: Each train can replace up to 300 lorries or private cars, which will not only ease the burden on road infrastructure but also contribute to a greener environment.
- Regional Growth Potential: Thousands of jobs will be created (over 9,000 by 2030), particularly in construction, operations, logistics, and real estate, which will also support growth in more remote communities.
- Supporting the Green Transition: The “Green Transition” strategy includes the construction of 1,000 km of railway infrastructure between 2025 and 2030, underscoring the UAE’s environmental ambitions.
Connecting Cities, Comfort, and the Future The route of the planned high-speed line connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai will allow for a journey of less than 60 minutes, a revolutionary step for a region focused on efficiency and innovation. The interiors will be modern, comfortable, and equipped with Wi-Fi, infotainment systems, power outlets, and air conditioning – with classes categorised similarly to air travel.
Rents and Property Prices in the UAE Rise by up to 25% Along the Etihad Rail Route The national railway project is set to commence passenger services in 2026. Once operational, it is expected to carry approximately 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030. Property prices and rents in areas near the Etihad Rail route have seen double-digit growth in 2025 and are expected to appreciate further. According to real estate sector representatives, prices could increase by up to 25%, while rents could rise by up to 15%. “Accessibility creates demand, and properties located within easy reach of the new train stations will command a premium, which we estimate at 10 to 20%.” On average, property prices in zones near Etihad Rail stations have increased by 13% over the last nine months. Dubai Festival City, located near the Al Jaddaf station, led the growth with an impressive 18% increase, followed by Dubai South and Dubai Investments Park (both at 17%). Experts draw a parallel with the Dubai Metro Red Line, where properties within a five to fifteen-minute walk saw their value increase by 15 to 25%. Given the nationwide scale of Etihad Rail and its connection to key hubs like the expanding Al Maktoum International Airport, a 10 to 15% rise in residential property prices is a realistic expectation for the near future.
Rent Growth Near Stations Rents in areas near Etihad Rail stations have grown steadily, averaging a 9% increase over the last nine months. Dubai Festival City saw an exceptional increase of 23%, followed by Dubai South with a 10% rise. This trend mirrors the situation in areas along the construction of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, where rents have already increased by 23%.
Rising Investor Interest With the expectation of higher returns from properties near Etihad Rail stations, investor interest is growing as they seek to seize early market entry opportunities. Dubai is experiencing higher client demand, and real estate agents are directing them to strategic locations where they can buy early and profit from future demand that will drive up both sales prices and rental yields. Once operational, residential properties near Etihad Rail stations can be expected to see a 15 to 25% price increase within the first three to five years.