Etihad Rail unveils passenger benefits ahead of Dubai station launch
New transport hub aims to simplify journeys across the UAE rail network
DUBAI – Etihad Rail has confirmed that passengers travelling on its rail network will be entitled to bring two pieces of luggage free of charge, regardless of the ticket type they purchase.
The announcement comes as the operator prepares to open its Dubai passenger station on September 30, expanding the UAE's growing national railway network. The company has also detailed onboard facilities, accessibility features, pet travel rules and plans to integrate the Dubai station with the city's wider public transport system.
More than 10,000 tickets were sold before the inaugural scheduled passenger journey, highlighting strong demand for the new service linking Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
Free baggage
According to Etihad Rail's Passenger Charter, every adult and child aged three and above can carry two pieces of luggage free of charge. Infants are not entitled to a separate baggage allowance and must share the accompanying adult's allowance.
Passengers wishing to travel with additional luggage must arrange it in advance through Etihad Rail's website, mobile application, contact centre or railway stations.
The operator requires all luggage to be clearly labelled with the passenger's name and contact details. Travellers must also be able to carry, lift and store their own bags without assistance. Bags must not be left in aisles or placed near doors or emergency exits.
Personal items such as handbags and laptop bags must fit beneath the seat, while cabin baggage must not exceed 55cm in height, 40cm in width and 23cm in depth and should be stored in overhead luggage racks.
Passenger services
Passengers will have access to complimentary Wi-Fi throughout their journey, universal power sockets, USB charging points at every seat, bilingual passenger information screens in Arabic and English, and trolley services offering snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
A dedicated Train Master will be present on every service to assist passengers, answer enquiries and process onboard ticket purchases where required.
Seat allocation is carried out automatically 24 hours before departure. However, passengers travelling on Value and Flex fares can select their seats free of charge, while Saver fare holders can change their allocated seats for an additional fee.
Etihad Rail also permits domestic pets, including dogs and falcons, provided they travel in approved carriers measuring no more than 55cm by 40cm by 23cm. The carrier replaces the passenger's standard cabin baggage allowance, and only one carrier is permitted per traveller. Certified assistance dogs are also allowed following advance booking through the company's contact centre.
The operator has equipped its stations with step-free access, tactile guidance paths, accessible toilets, bilingual signage, wheelchair spaces and priority seating. Passengers using wheelchairs or mobility aids are encouraged to notify the company when booking. Only electric wheelchairs fitted with manufacturer-installed batteries are permitted, while bicycles, e-bikes and electric scooters are not allowed on passenger services.
Dubai passenger station
Attention is now turning to Etihad Rail's Dubai passenger station, which is scheduled to open on September 30 alongside Al Dhaid station in Sharjah as the next phase of the national passenger network.
Located within Jumeirah Golf Estates along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, the station will be linked to the nearby Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro station via a dedicated footbridge currently under construction. The stations are only around four minutes apart, with the new connection expected to create a major transport interchange and provide passengers with a seamless transfer between rail and Metro services.
According to Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial and Support at Etihad Rail Mobility, the company plans to follow the same last-mile connectivity model introduced at Abu Dhabi and Fujairah stations by integrating the Dubai station with Metro services, public buses and taxis.
Etihad Rail
The Dubai station will also benefit from its proximity to communities including Green Community, Al Furjan, Dubai Investment Park, Dubai Production City and Expo City Dubai. It is approximately 30 minutes from Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South.
Etihad Rail already operates dedicated shuttle buses to improve access to its Abu Dhabi station in Mohammed bin Zayed City, connecting passengers with ADNOC Headquarters on the Corniche, ADNEC Abu Dhabi and Reem Mall. The shuttle service can be added during ticket booking or purchased later through the operator's booking channels.
The Dubai station forms part of Etihad Rail's planned 900km national railway network, which will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, stretching from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east. Each train is designed to carry up to 400 passengers, with multiple daily services planned for individuals, families and groups. Jumeirah Golf Estates is also expected to become part of Dubai's future Metro Gold Line, further strengthening the station's role in the city's transport network.