Infrastructure
Airports
| Al Maktoum International (DWC), phase 2 | Plan |
|---|---|
| Investment | AED 128 billion, approved April 2024 |
| First phase, within 10 years | 150 million passengers a year |
| Ultimate capacity | 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo a year |
| Airfield | Five runways and over 400 aircraft contact stands |
Source: Dubai Airports: Dubai World Central, Al Maktoum International1
Rail
Etihad Rail's 900 km network links cities, ports and industrial areas from Ghuwaifat to Fujairah, with freight running through 11 terminals and four major ports.2
| Passenger service | Date |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, 1 hour 45 minutes | 30 June 2026 |
| Abu Dhabi to Dubai and Al Dhaid | 30 September 2026 |
| Zayed City and Liwa | 30 November 2026 |
| Sharjah | 30 March 2027 |
Source: Etihad Rail: Passenger network and launch dates; Etihad Rail: Passenger rail network unveiled3,4
Fares start from AED 39 in Comfort Class, and the Dubai station connects to the Dubai Metro at Jumeirah Golf Estates by a pedestrian bridge.5
Power
All four reactors at the Barakah nuclear plant in Abu Dhabi have run together since September 2024 and generate 25% of the UAE's electricity.6
Internet
| Speedtest Global Index, September 2026 | UAE |
|---|---|
| Mobile median download | 761.17 Mbps, ranked 1st |
| Mobile median upload | 48.01 Mbps |
| Fixed broadband | Ranked 8th |
Source: Ookla: Speedtest Global Index, United Arab Emirates (September 2026)7
Frequently Asked Questions
What infrastructure projects are under way in the UAE?
Dubai is expanding Al Maktoum International with a AED 128 billion terminal for up to 260 million passengers a year, and Etihad Rail began passenger services in 2026, with Sharjah due in March 2027. Barakah nuclear plant already supplies 25% of the UAE's electricity.
Infrastructure in detail
Rail
Passenger trains, fares, freight and the Oman link.
900 km National rail network, Ghuwaifat to Fujairah
Read moreMetro and public transport
Dubai Metro, tram, buses, nol fares and the Blue Line.
294.7m Dubai Metro riders, 2025
Read moreRoads and border crossings
Salik and Darb tolls, and crossings to Oman and Saudi Arabia.
10 Salik toll gates in Dubai
Read moreIndustrial zones
KEZAD, Dubai Industrial City, land, warehouses and links.
550 km² KEZAD economic zones, Abu Dhabi
Read more
Sources
- Dubai Airports: Dubai World Central, Al Maktoum International
- Etihad Rail: The UAE's national rail project
- Etihad Rail: Passenger network and launch dates
- Etihad Rail: Passenger rail network unveiled
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): Etihad Rail's Dubai Station inaugurated (28 September 2026)
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): Barakah Plant delivers first year of full-fleet operations
- Ookla: Speedtest Global Index, United Arab Emirates (September 2026)
Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.