Etihad Rail unveils passenger network rollout; check stations and ticket prices across UAE
First Abu Dhabi-Fujairah service begins ahead of nationwide expansion plan
ABU DHABI – Etihad Rail has confirmed the start date for its long-awaited passenger services, marking a major milestone in the UAE’s national transport development.
The first operational phase will begin on June 30, 2026, linking Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in a journey time of just 1 hour and 45 minutes. The announcement signals the beginning of a phased rollout of the country’s passenger rail network, which will gradually expand across multiple emirates through 2027.
خالد بن محمد بن زايد يدشن محطة قطار الركاب بمدينة محمد بن زايد التي تربط أبوظبي بالفجيرة في ساعة و45 دقيقة اعتباراً من 30 يونيو الجاري، على أن يتم افتتاح محطتي دبي والذيد في 30 سبتمبر ومحطات منطقة الظفرة في 30 ديسمبر، ليستكمل قطار الركاب مساره بمحطة الشارقة في 30 مارس 2027. pic.twitter.com/v4qxqPP9z8
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) June 23, 2026
The announcement came alongside the inauguration of the Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station in Abu Dhabi by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who also serves as Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The development reflects the UAE’s broader strategy to strengthen integrated transport systems and support sustainable urban growth.
Launch timeline
The passenger network will expand in carefully planned stages following the initial Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route. The official network launch is scheduled for September 30, 2026, when additional connectivity will be introduced. On the same date, Dubai and Al Dhaid stations will open to the public, significantly broadening the operational reach of the rail system.
Further expansion will follow with Al Dhafra region stations opening on December 30, 2026, extending access deeper into the western parts of the country. The final stage of the rollout is planned for March 30, 2027, when Sharjah Train Station becomes operational, completing the core passenger route across key emirates.
The phased approach is designed to ensure operational readiness, smooth passenger integration, and full connectivity across the national rail corridor.
Fares & fleet
Ticket prices for the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route will begin at Dh55 for Comfort Class, while Premium Class fares will be set at Dh120. The pricing structure is aimed at offering accessible travel options across different passenger segments, from daily commuters to long-distance travellers.
The network will operate a fleet of 13 trains, each capable of carrying up to 400 passengers. This capacity is expected to support high-frequency services while maintaining efficiency across peak and off-peak hours.
Passengers will be able to book tickets starting June 23, 2026, through multiple digital platforms, including the official Etihad Rail mobile application and website. The introduction of online booking is intended to streamline access and enhance user convenience from the outset of operations.
Etihad Rail network
The passenger rail project is being developed under the leadership of Etihad Rail, chaired by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The initiative forms part of the UAE’s broader National Railway Programme and the “Projects of the 50”, aimed at transforming infrastructure and connectivity across the country.
Officials highlighted that the new network will integrate seamlessly with other modes of transport, improving mobility between cities, economic zones, and tourism destinations. The stations themselves will feature modern facilities, including retail outlets, cafés, restaurants, and passenger services designed to enhance the overall travel experience.
خالد بن محمد بن زايد يدشن محطة قطار الركاب بمدينة محمد بن زايد في أبوظبي وسموّه يشهد الإعلان عن شبكة خط السكك الحديدية لنقل الركاب، حيث تنطلق مرحلة التشغيل التمهيدي لخدمات القطار بين محطتي أبوظبي والفجيرة اعتباراً من 30 يونيو الجاري في رحلة تستغرق ساعة و45 دقيقة. pic.twitter.com/6ZeNwZGlHs
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) June 23, 2026
During the inauguration, Sheikh Khaled reviewed the operational readiness of the new Abu Dhabi station, including its smart systems, capacity planning, and passenger flow management mechanisms. The infrastructure has been designed to accommodate future demand growth while maintaining high standards of efficiency and service
Passenger rail network
The passenger rail network is expected to reshape domestic travel patterns by significantly reducing journey times and improving inter-emirate connectivity. The Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route, in particular, stands out as a major early achievement, offering a fast alternative to road transport.
With phased station openings across Dubai, Al Dhaid, Al Dhafra, and Sharjah, the system is set to evolve into a fully integrated national corridor.