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Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Rail is set to begin passenger rail operations on 30 June 2026, launching an introductory operational phase on the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route. Tickets are already on sale through the operator’s digital platforms.

The passenger roll-out marks a major milestone for Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s National Rail Network. Established in 2009, the company was tasked with delivering a roughly 900-kilometre railway linking key cities, ports and industrial hubs from Ghuwaifat to Fujairah on the eastern coast.

The launch comes less than five years after the UAE announced its ambition to create a national passenger railway under the country’s “Projects of the 50” programme, which aims to support economic diversification and sustainable development.

According to Etihad Rail, passenger services will be introduced in planned phases through 2026 and 2027:

• 23 June 2026: Passenger tickets went on sale via the Etihad Rail app and a dedicated booking website (as well as the contact centre for certain fares)
• 30 June 2026: Introductory operational phase begins with services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah only
• 30 September 2026: Passenger rail services formally commence and expand to include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al-Dhaid and Fujairah
• 30 December 2026: Services extend to Al-Dhafra stations
• 30 March 2027: Services expand further to include Sharjah

Customers can book tickets up to four weeks before travel. Tickets for new destinations will be released in line with the phased roll-out.

Once fully operational, Etihad Rail’s passenger service will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, supported by a station network that links key urban and economic centres. The station list includes:

• Abu Dhabi – Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station
• Dubai – Al-Yalayis Station
• Sharjah – University City Station
• Fujairah Station
• Al-Dhaid Station
• Al-Dhannah Station
• Madinat Zayed Station
• Liwa Station
• Al-Mirfa Station
• Al-Sila Station
• Al-Faya Station

For the initial Abu Dhabi–Fujairah service starting 30 June, Etihad Rail said fares will start from AED55 for Comfort class and AED120 for Premium class. The operator added that future fares and routes will be announced separately.

The operator will offer two travel classes:

• Comfort: guaranteed seating, Wi‑Fi, power at every seat and luggage space
• Premium: wider reclining seats, extra legroom and complimentary refreshments

Within each class, passengers can choose from three fare types based on flexibility:

• Saver: lowest fare for fixed plans; available only via the app, booking website and contact centre
• Value: includes complimentary seat selection and ticket changes
• Flex: includes seat selection, ticket changes and refunds

Etihad Rail said introductory fares are designed to encourage early uptake and will be available for a limited period, with pricing expected to transition “towards a more advanced fare structure and, ultimately, a broader fare framework” as the service matures.

Etihad Rail’s passenger trains will have a maximum speed of 200km/h and, once fully operational, each train will carry up to 400 passengers, with an expected annual ridership of about 10 million.

The journey times are as follows:

• Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: 105 minutes
• Abu Dhabi to Dubai: 57 minutes
• Dubai to Fujairah: 69 minutes

Train features include generous legroom, Wi‑Fi, power at every seat, foldable tray tables, overhead storage, space for larger baggage and accessibility provisions. Station features include clear signage, comfortable waiting areas, staff assistance, accessibility features and parking.

Etihad Rail said the onboard experience is designed around “comfort and time well spent”, enabling passengers to work, relax or switch off in a “calm and spacious environment” with guaranteed seating, Wi‑Fi and charging points.

Etihad Rail’s network currently supports freight operations across 11 terminals and four major ports, underpinning supply chain efficiency, emissions reduction and national connectivity.

The company also pointed to the broader economic value of the UAE Railway Programme, stating that it creates opportunities worth AED200bn, while passenger rail is expected to generate around AED91bn in economic and social benefits over the next 50 years, driven by faster, safer and more efficient travel.

Etihad Rail also differentiated the new passenger service from the UAE’s future high-speed rail plans, saying passenger rail is intended to connect more communities across the country with an affordable and comfortable service, while high-speed rail is being designed for “very fast journeys between central points of our major cities”, describing the two as “different products and services designed for different types of journeys”.