The introductory phase will connect Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, reducing travel time between the two emirates to just one hour and 45 minutes while providing residents and visitors with a new alternative to road travel.
The launch represents the first stage of a wider passenger rail network that will continue expanding across the UAE through 2027 with the opening of additional stations and routes.
Abu Dhabi-Fujairah Service Starts June 30
The inaugural passenger service will operate between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, linking the UAE capital with the country’s east coast through a high-capacity rail connection.
The route is expected to significantly reduce travel times while providing a more sustainable and efficient transport option for commuters, business travellers and tourists.
Officials said the journey between the two emirates will take approximately one hour and 45 minutes, offering a competitive alternative to driving.
Ticket Sales Open June 23
Passengers will be able to begin booking journeys and purchasing tickets from June 23, 2026.
Tickets will be available through the Etihad Rail mobile application, the company’s official website and other authorised sales channels.
The operator said the booking process has been designed to provide travellers with a convenient and seamless customer experience.
Fares Start From Dh55
Etihad Rail has also revealed introductory ticket prices for the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route.
Comfort Class fares will start from Dh55, while Premium Class tickets will be available from Dh120.
The pricing structure is intended to provide passengers with a choice between standard and enhanced travel experiences while maintaining accessibility for a wide range of travellers.
13 Trains to Serve the Network
The passenger rail fleet will initially consist of 13 trains, each capable of carrying up to 400 passengers.
The trains have been designed to offer modern onboard amenities and comfortable seating while supporting the UAE’s broader goals of improving public transportation and reducing road congestion.
Once fully operational, the fleet will form the backbone of the country’s national passenger rail network.
Dubai and Al Dhaid Stations to Open in September
The next phase of the project will take place on September 30, 2026, when the Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station officially open to passengers.
The addition of these stations will significantly expand connectivity and provide access to some of the UAE’s most important residential, commercial and tourism destinations.
The expansion will also strengthen links between the country’s major urban centres.
Further Expansion Planned Through 2027
The network’s rollout will continue with the opening of stations in Al Dhafra on December 30, 2026.
The final stage of the announced development programme will see the Sharjah Train Station open on March 30, 2027, completing the initial passenger rail route.
Once all planned stations are operational, passengers will be able to travel across a broader section of the UAE rail network with greater convenience and connectivity.
Major Milestone for UAE Transport Infrastructure
The launch of passenger services represents one of the most significant developments in the UAE’s transport sector in recent years.
For decades, rail transport in the country has largely focused on freight operations, but the introduction of passenger services marks a new chapter in national mobility.
The project forms part of wider efforts to improve connectivity between emirates, support economic growth, enhance tourism and provide more sustainable transportation options for residents and visitors.
New Era of Rail Travel Begins
With ticket sales beginning on June 23 and the first passenger trains departing on June 30, travellers will soon have access to a new mode of transport connecting key destinations across the UAE.
As additional stations open over the coming months, Etihad Rail’s passenger network is expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of travel within the country.
