Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the United Arab Emirates’ national rail network, has launched a national safety campaign ahead of the introduction of passenger rail services, scheduled for 2026.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about safe behavior around railway infrastructure and is part of the preparations for the UAE’s first national passenger rail network.
Etihad Rail says the initiative will be rolled out across multiple channels, including television, digital platforms, and community engagement activities, with messages targeting the public across all the Emirates.
“Safety is Care”
As the United Arab Emirates prepares to introduce nationwide passenger rail services for the first time, the company is working to familiarize communities, road users, and future passengers with the rules of conduct around the railway.
Etihad Rail presents the campaign as a long-term initiative, not just a series of warnings. The central message is that safety means care, and responsibility must be shared among individuals, communities, and the transportation system.
The company argues that many risks do not necessarily arise from intent, but from inattention or routine actions. Therefore, the campaign uses a behavioral approach, designed to encourage awareness, positive intervention, and the development of safe reflexes in public spaces.
Passenger services to begin in phases in 2026
Etihad Rail states that passenger services will begin in 2026, through a phased approach. Initial operations will be introduced gradually, with a focus on safety, reliability, and comfort.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Etihad Rail. As we prepare to launch passenger services in the United Arab Emirates, it is essential to build awareness and understanding of how people should safely interact with the railway,” said Azza Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility.
She said the initiative aims to create a culture of shared responsibility.
“This campaign is about building a culture of care and shared responsibility, so that our communities, our passengers, and our employees all play a role in maintaining the highest safety standards. This year, we will introduce passenger services through a carefully planned, phased approach designed to ensure that every journey meets our expectations for safety, reliability, and comfort from the very start,” said Azza Al Suwaidi.
Campaign in Schools and Local Communities
Etihad Rail has also launched a series of visual materials for the campaign, showing how safety messages will be conveyed in physical and digital spaces. The images use travel scenarios and everyday interactions to translate safety rules into easily understandable situations.
The campaign will also include activities in schools, local communities, and among key stakeholders involved in the network’s development. The goal is to introduce rail safety education before passenger services are expanded.
The company emphasizes that the rail network has been developed in line with international best practices, featuring advanced signaling systems, strict operational protocols, and continuous monitoring.
The network will connect 11 cities and regions
The launch of the campaign follows Etihad Rail’s presentation of details about the future national passenger rail network. The first phase of commercial services is scheduled for 2026, and the network will connect 11 cities and regions across the United Arab Emirates.
Among the previously announced stations are those in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, supplemented by stations in Al Sila’, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a, Al Faya, and Al Dhaid.
Etihad Rail previously stated that the fleet for passenger services will include 13 trains, of which 10 have already been delivered, tested, and certified. Each train will be able to carry up to 400 passengers.
The trains will feature ergonomic seating, onboard Wi-Fi, individual power outlets, and a modern interior design. The operator is banking on an alternative to road transport in a country where connections between major cities rely heavily on highways.
Share on: 
