UAE: UAE launches first passenger railway with Chinese firms involved in construction.

Shotlist Abu Dhabi, UAE - June 30, 2026 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 1. Various of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed City Station, bus moving 2. Passenger consulting with staff member 3. Various of passengers in railway station, passing through ticket gate 4. Various of kids doing jigsaw puzzle poster on ground 5. Various of trains, passengers, screen showing cabin information 6. Various of passengers getting on train, taking photo, passenger holding national flag of United Arab Emirates (UAE) 7. Various of passengers in cabin 8. Various of train leaving Storyline The United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched trial operations of its first passenger railway, Etihad Rail, on Tuesday, marking the start of the country's long-planned national passenger rail network, with several Chinese companies participating in the project's construction. The first section of the rail service links the capital, Abu Dhabi, with the eastern emirate of Fujairah in about 1 hour and 45 minutes, according to Etihad Rail. Dubai Station and Al Dhaid Station are scheduled to open on September 30, followed by Al Dhafra Station on December 30. The entire route will be completed when Sharjah Station opens on March 30, 2027. As one of the UAE's largest infrastructure projects in recent years, the Etihad Rail passenger network will eventually connect 11 cities and regions across all seven emirates through 11 stations. Once fully operational, passenger numbers are projected to reach 36 million by 2030. The passenger fleet consists of 13 trains, each capable of carrying up to 400 passengers. Chinese companies, including China Railway International Group Co., Ltd. (CRIG), CRRC Corporation Ltd., Power Construction Corporation of China, and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, have participated in the project.