The United Arab Emirates is on the cusp of a major transport transformation with Etihad Rail confirming the launch of its national passenger train service in 2026. The long-anticipated network will connect cities from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah on the east coast, significantly enhancing inter-emirate connectivity and redefining how residents travel across the country.

Etihad Rail has officially confirmed four key passenger stations: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, which will form the backbone of the initial rollout. In total, the network will feature 11 strategically located passenger stations, serving urban centres, coastal towns, desert communities, and educational hubs across the UAE.

Designed as a high-speed, congestion-free alternative to road travel, the passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h. Travel times are expected to reduce dramatically, with journeys such as Abu Dhabi to Dubai taking just 57 minutes, and potentially as little as 30 minutes on high-speed services. Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will take approximately 105 minutes, offering a seamless east–west connection for the first time.

Beyond speed, Etihad Rail’s passenger service places strong emphasis on comfort and experience. The trains, manufactured by Spain’s CAF, can accommodate up to 400 passengers per journey and feature a cabin environment inspired by airline travel. Guests will be able to choose from First Class, Business Class, and spacious Economy seating, all equipped with charging ports, high-speed Wi-Fi, and advanced climate-control systems designed for the region’s extreme temperatures. Onboard food and beverage services will further enhance the travel experience.

Seamless first- and last-mile connectivity is a core pillar of the project. Major stations such as Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai will connect directly to the Dubai Metro, while other stations will integrate bus terminals, taxi zones, and digital ticketing systems. A fully digital-first approach will allow passengers to plan, book, and access their journeys via a mobile app, ensuring smooth and efficient travel from door to door.

The project is a key component of the UAE’s “Projects of the 50” initiative and is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, with rail transport projected to cut emissions by 70–80 per cent compared to road travel. In addition to easing congestion on major highways such as the E11 and E311, the network is expected to boost economic integration, workforce mobility, and overall quality of life.

Commenting on the launch, Shadi Malak, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail, said the project goes beyond transportation. “Our goal is to create a network that is safe, efficient, and sustainable. This is not just about moving people, it’s about enhancing the quality of life for every citizen and resident in the UAE.”

As of early 2026, 10 of the 13 planned passenger trains have already arrived in the UAE and are undergoing final safety certification. With infrastructure in place and testing underway, Etihad Rail’s passenger service marks the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s transport journey, one that promises faster, greener, and more connected travel across the Emirates.

Turkish Airlines has cancelled at least five flights to Tehran as protests across Iran entered their twelfth consecutive day, triggering travel disruptions and heightened security concerns. The cancellations were confirmed on Friday through the Istanbul Airport application, which also showed that five additional flights operated by Iranian airlines were cancelled, while seven flights remain scheduled.

The unrest comes amid widespread demonstrations against the rising cost of living in Iran. Protests intensified overnight after exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi called for renewed demonstrations, prompting crowds to march and chant through the streets into Friday morning.

Alongside the protests, a massive internet blackout has been detected across large parts of Iran, further escalating tensions. Iranian authorities had earlier warned of cutting off internet services and international telephone calls as demonstrations continued to spread.

In response to the deteriorating situation, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has issued an advisory urging citizens to avoid travelling to Iran until conditions stabilise. Airlines are closely monitoring the developments, with further disruptions possible depending on the security situation.

The ongoing unrest has significantly impacted air connectivity to Tehran, affecting both international and domestic travellers. Aviation authorities and carriers are expected to reassess flight operations in the coming days as the situation evolves.

Europe is facing renewed travel disruption as a worsening cold snap brings heavy snowfall across large parts of the continent, leading to widespread flight cancellations, train delays, and road closures. Authorities in several countries have urged residents to stay home as blizzard conditions are expected to intensify in the coming days.

In the Netherlands, officials advised people to avoid travel wherever possible, with a fresh snowstorm forecast to arrive overnight. Dutch airline KLM confirmed it had proactively cancelled 600 flights on Wednesday to avoid last-minute disruptions that could leave passengers stranded at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. The airline had already cancelled 400 flights the previous day and asked affected travellers to stay away from the airport to prevent overcrowding.

“We haven’t experienced such extreme weather conditions in years,” said KLM spokesperson Anoesjka Aspeslagh. The airline said it is offering alternative flights where possible but remains overwhelmed by passenger inquiries.

In France, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said airlines had been ordered to cancel at least 40 per cent of flights at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, with around a quarter of flights cancelled at Orly Airport. He added that public transport services across the Paris region were also likely to be disrupted due to snowfall.

Rail services across the Netherlands were further impacted after an IT outage led to the suspension of all domestic trains early Tuesday. Although partial services resumed later in the day, disruptions continued around Amsterdam. High-speed Eurostar services between Amsterdam and Paris were either cancelled or delayed.

The severe weather has already led to fatalities and major road incidents. French broadcaster BFMTV reported that at least five people were killed in weather-related accidents across France. Traffic congestion in the Paris region reached a record 1,000 kilometres on Monday evening.

Elsewhere in Europe, Germany experienced temperatures dropping well below minus 10 degrees Celsius in southern and eastern regions, with much of the country blanketed in snow. In the UK, the Meteorological Office warned that winter weather hazards could persist throughout the week, with temperatures falling to minus 12.5 degrees Celsius in parts of eastern England, marking the coldest night of the season so far.

Heavy snow and rainfall have also disrupted daily life across the Western Balkans, leading to road closures, power outages, and flooding rivers. In Bosnia, a woman died in Sarajevo after a tree collapsed under the weight of wet snow.

With further snowfall expected, authorities across Europe continue to advise caution, urging travellers to monitor updates closely and limit movement to essential travel only.