First Etihad Rail passenger train from Dubai arrives in Abu Dhabi

A new chapter in inter-emirate travel began on Wednesday, September 30, as Etihad Rail’s first scheduled passenger train from Dubai arrived in Abu Dhabi.

The train departed Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates at 6:14am and arrived at Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi at around 7:18am, marking the official start of passenger services between the two emirates. The journey takes just over an hour.

The inaugural service attracted a diverse group of passengers. Some came simply to experience the UAE’s new railway connection, while others see the service as a practical alternative for commuting, family visits, business travel and leisure.

Etihad Rail expects the Dubai–Abu Dhabi route to be particularly popular among employees, university students, families and tourists. There are 10 daily services between the two emirates, giving passengers several options throughout the day.

The launch represents another major step in the development of the UAE’s national passenger rail network. Passenger services first began in June with the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route, while the opening of the Dubai and Al Dhaid stations on September 30 marks the next stage in the network’s expansion. Further stations and routes are scheduled to come online in the months ahead.

For residents and visitors, the significance of the new Dubai–Abu Dhabi connection goes beyond the train journey itself. The service is designed to integrate with existing public transport, making it easier to continue travelling after arriving at either emirate.

Etihad Rail passengers can add a Nol One-Day Pass

Travellers heading to Dubai can now add a Nol One-Day Pass to their Etihad Rail booking, creating a single-ticket option for continuing their journey on Dubai’s public transport network.

The pass costs AED 22 for Regular class and AED 42 for Gold class. It provides unlimited eligible travel on Dubai Metro, Tram and RTA buses for one calendar day.

The Etihad Rail and Nol journeys can be accessed through a single QR code, available in the Etihad Rail app and in the booking confirmation email. Passengers can scan or present the code when required during their journey.

The Gold Nol option gives passengers access to the Gold Class cabins on Dubai Metro and Tram. Importantly, the Nol Gold pass can be purchased regardless of the class booked on Etihad Rail. A passenger travelling in Comfort Class, for example, can still choose a Gold Nol One-Day Pass.

The integration reflects a broader effort to connect Etihad Rail with the UAE’s existing transport infrastructure, making the train part of a wider door-to-door travel network rather than a standalone service.

With the Dubai–Abu Dhabi connection now in operation, rail is becoming a new part of everyday mobility in the UAE for commuters, families, business travellers and visitors alike. And as the national network continues to expand, the role of passenger rail in connecting the country’s cities and destinations is only set to grow.