Etihad Rail launches UAE’s first passenger train service

The UAE has officially entered a new era of public transportation with the launch of Etihad Rail's first passenger service on 30 June 2026. The inaugural route connects Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, offering a fast and comfortable alternative to road travel.

The introductory service reduces travel time between the two emirates to just 1 hour and 45 minutes, compared with more than three hours by car during busy periods. The first ceremonial journey departed from Fujairah Station and arrived at Mohamed bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi, marking a major milestone in the UAE's national railway project.

Ticket prices:

Launch fares start from:

AED 55 – Comfort Class

AED 120 – Premium Class

Tickets have been available for booking since 23 June through the Etihad Rail website and mobile app.

Network expansion

The Abu Dhabi–Fujairah service is the first phase of a nationwide passenger rail network. The rollout will continue according to the following schedule:

30 September 2026: Dubai and Al Dhaid stations open.

30 December 2026: Services expand to Al Dhafra.

30 March 2027: Sharjah joins the network, completing the initial passenger route.

Etihad Rail is the UAE's national railway network, designed to improve connectivity between the country's major cities, industrial hubs, and ports. Passenger trains can travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h, with each train accommodating up to 400 passengers. The network is expected to carry 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030, supporting economic growth and more sustainable transport across the Emirates.