The UAE’s national rail network will begin its first passenger operations between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, marking a major milestone in inter-emirate connectivity.
Etihad Rail will launch an introductory phase of passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30, 2026, ahead of the network’s official public launch later this year.
The announcement follows the inauguration of the Mohammed bin Zayed City passenger station in Abu Dhabi by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
The first phase will connect the UAE capital with Fujairah, providing passengers with a new alternative for inter-emirate travel. The wider passenger network is scheduled to formally launch on September 30, 2026.
Etihad Rail’s initial passenger fleet will include 13 trains, each with capacity for up to 400 passengers. Tickets are expected to start from AED55 for economy travel and AED120 for premium class, while bookings will be available through the Etihad Rail app and website from June 23.
The rollout will take place in phases. Dubai and Al Dhaid stations are set to open on September 30, 2026, followed by stations in Al Dhafra on December 30. Sharjah station is expected to open on March 30, 2027, completing the planned initial route.
The project is expected to strengthen connectivity between the emirates, support tourism and business mobility, and reduce reliance on road transport. It also forms part of the UAE’s broader strategy to build an integrated national transport network that supports economic development, urban growth and long-term sustainability.
With services expected to operate at speeds of up to 200km/h, Etihad Rail is positioned to become a central part of the UAE’s future mobility infrastructure, connecting major population centres, business districts, ports and tourism destinations across the country.
