Etihad Rail to Transform UAE Real Estate from 2026

Stretching 900 kilometres and linking 11 cities and regions, the railway will connect hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi with areas once considered too remote, including Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Dhaid and Ruwais. With journey times cut from hours to under an hour on some routes, these locations will suddenly feel within reach for daily commuting.

The effect on real estate could be significant. Greater accessibility typically drives housing demand, and analysts predict that both sales and rental prices will rise in areas connected to the network. Communities once seen as 'too far out' are likely to attract residents looking for larger homes and better value while keeping close ties to major employment centres.

Land values are also expected to climb, particularly around confirmed station zones. These areas are likely to evolve into mixed-use, transit-oriented districts with retail, housing and offices clustered around easy rail access. The model is not new – Japan’s satellite cities saw dramatic growth after the launch of the Shinkansen – but the UAE is applying it on a national scale with one of the most advanced rail systems in the world.

By 2030, Etihad Rail expects to carry 36.5 million passengers annually, turning weekend getaways to Fujairah or Ras Al Khaimah into routine trips and making Al Ain or Ruwais realistic bases for professionals. For the property market, it marks the beginning of a new chapter where accessibility, rather than distance, sets the value of a place.