Etihad Rail announces launch date for passenger services

Etihad Rail has announced that introductory operational phase of passenger rail services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah will begin on June 30, cutting the journey time to just 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station will open with the official launch on September 30, followed by stations in Al Dhafra on December 30 . The route will be complete upon the opening of Sharjah Train Station on March 30, 2027.

Fares on Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route will start at AED55 for Comfort Class and AED120 for Premium Class.

The passenger rail fleet comprises 13 trains, each with a capacity of up to 400 passengers.

Customers will be able to book journeys and purchase tickets through a range of convenient channels, including the Etihad Rail mobile application and official website, from June 23.

Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, on Tuesday. 

خالد بن محمد بن زايد يدشن محطة قطار الركاب بمدينة محمد بن زايد في أبوظبي وسموّه يشهد الإعلان عن شبكة خط السكك الحديدية لنقل الركاب، حيث تنطلق مرحلة التشغيل التمهيدي لخدمات القطار بين محطتي أبوظبي والفجيرة اعتباراً من 30 يونيو الجاري في رحلة تستغرق ساعة و45 دقيقة. pic.twitter.com/6ZeNwZGlHs

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) June 23, 2026

He toured the station’s key facilities and amenities and reviewed its operational readiness and advanced infrastructure.

Sheikh Khaled affirmed that the passenger train project reflects the UAE’s vision for a fully integrated transport network, enhancing inter-emirate connectivity, supporting sustainable growth through the efficient movement of people and goods, and opening new horizons for investment, tourism and urban development.

As part of the next phase of the project, feasibility studies will be undertaken to evaluate the expansion of the passenger rail network to additional emirates, further advancing the UAE's vision of a fully integrated national transport system.

The launch of the passenger rail network marks a new chapter in the UAE’s infrastructure development, extending beyond conventional transport to establish integrated urban and economic connectivity, linking population centres, economic hubs and tourism destinations across the country.