Introductory services are available from 30 June
It’s a day many UAE residents have been waiting years for.
The country’s long-awaited passenger rail network is officially up and running, with Etihad Rail launching its first-ever passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on 30 June 2026.
The historic inaugural train departed Fujairah at 5.34am, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 7.19am, completing the journey in just one hour and 45 minutes.
As the train pulled into the station, crowds gathered to celebrate the milestone, with applause and cheers welcoming the first passengers and marking the beginning of a new era for transport in the UAE.
For anyone who’s spent hours driving between Abu Dhabi and the east coast, this is a game changer.
Instead of long road trips, passengers can now sit back, relax and enjoy a comfortable rail journey that takes just 105 minutes.
The launch marks the first phase of Etihad Rail’s passenger network, with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah becoming the first cities connected by the service.
But this is just the beginning. On 30 September 2026, Dubai and Al Dhaid stations are scheduled to open, bringing more of the country into the network.
This will be followed by Al Dhafra on 30 December 2026, expanding connectivity further across the western region.
The final major milestone is set for 30 March 2027, when Sharjah station joins the system, completing a nationwide passenger rail network connecting key cities and regions across the UAE.
In Abu Dhabi, the newly inaugurated Mohamed bin Zayed City station has already offered a first look at what passengers can expect featuring modern design, smart systems and smooth passenger flow designed to make travel feel simple from start to finish.
How much do tickets cost?
Launch fares are currently available at 50 per cent off, although some departures are already showing limited availability. Passengers can choose between two travel classes.
Comfort Class tickets start from AED 55 during the introductory launch period, reduced from AED 109.
Premium Class tickets are currently available from AED 120, down from AED 239.
Travellers can also choose between Saver, Value and Flex ticket options depending on how much flexibility they need when it comes to changes, cancellations and refunds.
Where can you buy tickets?
Bookings are now open through the official Etihad Rail website and mobile app.
To book, simply select your departure station, destination, travel date and preferred class before entering passenger details and completing payment online.
Tickets can also include a shuttle bus connection for an additional AED 10.
What are the initial schedules?
From Abu Dhabi to Fujairah
8:19am
1:53pm
6:39pm
From Fujairah to Abu Dhabi
5:34am
10:59am
5:28pm
The journey will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Where are the stations?
The Abu Dhabi station is located in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, while the Fujairah station is located in Al Hilal City. Both stations will operate daily from 5am to 11pm.
Getting to the station
Passengers travelling from Abu Dhabi can also take advantage of Etihad Rail’s shuttle bus service for AED 10.
The service connects the station with:
ADNOC Headquarters
ADNEC Centre
Reem Mall
Are pets allowed on board?
Passengers travelling with assistance dogs can bring them on board Etihad Rail, provided they are booked in advance through the Contact Centre before travel.
Assistance dogs are permitted to accompany their owners throughout the journey to support passengers with disabilities or additional mobility needs.
Falcons are also welcome on board, in line with the UAE’s long-standing cultural traditions, making it easier for owners to travel with their prized birds while enjoying the convenience of rail travel.
With the new rail links and faster connections coming into play, getting out and about across the UAE is set to become much easier, and a lot more spontaneous too.
Instead of long drives and traffic-heavy weekends, people can start thinking in terms of quick day trips and easy escapes, whether it’s a beach day in Fujairah, a shopping spree in Dubai, or a relaxed afternoon exploring another emirate.
It’s all about making the country feel a little smaller, more connected, and far more fun to explore on a whim.
