Etihad Rail Expansion Brings New Connectivity and Optimism to UAE Residents
As Etihad Rail extends its tracks through towns like Sakamkam, Al Sila, and Ruwais, communities across the UAE are expressing enthusiastic support for the transformative infrastructure project. More than just a national railway, the Etihad Rail development represents a milestone in enhancing connectivity, reducing travel costs, and boosting regional tourism and economic activity.
Direct Access in Sakamkam: A Fujairah Student’s Perspective
For Fujairah resident Reem Al Yammahi, who lives in Sakamkam—one of the confirmed train station locations—the railway offers a welcome change. The track runs directly behind her house, and she sees it as a personal benefit. “I like visiting Abu Dhabi, but the two-hour drive gets tiring,” she said. “As a busy student, I’d rather spend that time reading or doing a quick study session. With Etihad Rail, it might take even less time, and I can focus on more productive things.”
Sakamkam, located in the eastern emirate of Fujairah, is expected to see heightened real estate interest due to its proximity to the station. With enhanced accessibility, this area may become a hub for residential investment and tourism. Learn more about Aurantius properties.
National Benefits: Tourism, Economy, and the Environment
Al Yammahi further emphasized how Etihad Rail will facilitate travel between emirates and create new opportunities for tourism. “It will make it easier for tourists to navigate the UAE, connecting all major cities. Travel costs will be lower, and the train is environmentally friendly,” she said.
The Etihad Rail network stretches from Fujairah Port on the Gulf of Oman to Ghuweifat in Abu Dhabi’s western border with Saudi Arabia. It forms the backbone of the UAE Railway Programme, which supports sustainable development goals, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% while enhancing logistical and passenger mobility nationwide.
New Horizons for Al Sila: A Town Reconnected
In the far west of Abu Dhabi, Noura Almansoori from Al Sila shared her excitement about the railway. “Our town has always felt disconnected from the rest of the UAE,” she said. Al Sila has a modest population of just over 10,500 (Abu Dhabi Census 2024), and residents have long yearned for more direct links to major cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
“The railway will make Al Sila feel more connected,” Almansoori continued. “It will bring attention to our town and its serene beauty. More tourists will come to explore the western region of the UAE.” She hopes Etihad Rail will reinvigorate the area, attracting younger generations and stimulating the local economy. “I imagine it becoming very lively and fun,” she said. “People will be able to get what they need more easily, and travel won’t be a barrier anymore.”
Reshaping Urban and Rural Life
The arrival of Etihad Rail is more than just a transportation milestone—it is a social and economic catalyst. The railway is expected to influence property markets in towns like Sakamkam and Al Sila, enhance business logistics across industrial hubs, and contribute to the vibrancy of regional communities. With Abu Dhabi at one end of the route and Fujairah at the other, seamless inter-emirate travel will become a daily reality for thousands of residents and commuters.
A Greener, More Connected Future
Etihad Rail is not just about mobility—it reflects the UAE’s strategic vision for sustainability, urban growth, and national unity. As the country reduces its environmental footprint and invests in resilient infrastructure, projects like these pave the way for long-term prosperity. Residents from all walks of life—students, professionals, business owners, and tourists—stand to benefit.
Whether you’re considering property investment near a future station or simply planning more sustainable travel options, Etihad Rail is shaping a smarter, greener, and more connected UAE. For listings in developing rail-linked areas like Ruwais, browse through our platform and discover emerging opportunities across the nation.
