Etihad Rail, the UAE’s national railway project, is likely to include a stop at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, enabling passengers to check in directly from train stations.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, mentioned in a Flight Global interview that the “planned Etihad Rail network for the UAE is slated to feature a stop at DWC (Dubai World Central).”
The CEO envisions “a fully integrated system where travelers can check in their luggage at train stations on their way to the airport.”
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As reported by Khaleej Times in May 2025, Etihad Rail plans to launch its passenger service in 2026, expecting to transport approximately 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030.
This rail will link major cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Al Ain, Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Al Dhaid, Ghuweifat (near Saudi Arabia), and Sohar (Oman, via the Hafeet Rail project).
With the expansion of Dubai’s transportation network, a new electrified high-speed line will connect Abu Dhabi to Dubai, including six stations at Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Zayed Airport, near Al Maktoum Airport in Dubai, and Jaddaf, close to Dubai Creek. This high-speed train will cover the distance between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes, reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h.
In April 2024, it was announced by the Dubai government that all operations at Dubai International (DXB) would be moved to Al Maktoum International (DWC). The new Dh128-billion passenger terminal at DWC aims to increase capacity to 260 million passengers annually and completely absorb DXB’s operations within a decade.
As Dubai International nears its maximum capacity, Al Maktoum International Airport is set to accommodate the rapid passenger growth in Dubai.
Dubai International is currently the world’s busiest international airport, having handled 46 million passengers in the first half of 2025, marking its busiest first half ever. In the second quarter alone, DXB catered to 22.5 million travelers, which is a 3.1 percent increase from the previous year.
Griffiths previously told Khaleej Times that more than one airport’s worth of staff would be needed during DXB’s transition to DWC.
He stated that the goal is “to create a seamless airport experience where passengers can move without stopping and use a biometric signature for the entire process.”
“Our aim is to facilitate seamless transfers between concourses. AI allows us to manage aircraft scheduling flexibly and optimize connections so that connecting passengers are near their next flight,” Dubai Airports’ CEO added in his conversation with Flight Global.
