UAE makes rail history as first passenger train arrives in Abu Dhabi

The UAE has made history as the first passenger train from Fujairah arrived in Abu Dhabi's Mohamed bin Zayed City Station at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday.

The train arrived four minutes ahead of time.

Passengers alighting the train celebrated the milestone, adding how the high-speed line will change the way people travel, with journey time between the two Emirates cut to just an hour and 45 minutes.

Each train can accommodate up to 400 passengers, and stations are being designed to ensure accessibility and smooth first- and last-mile connections in partnership with local transport providers.

Etihad Rail announced earlier that 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.

Etihad Rail will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east, passing through Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Journey times will be cut significantly - 57 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, and 105 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah.

It will connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes at speeds of up to 350 km per hour.