The UAE’s long-awaited passenger railway could launch later this year Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A new United Arab Emirates (UAE) passenger rail service is set to launch this year, cutting travel times between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to under one hour.