The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched its first passenger train service, Etihad Rail, marking a major milestone in the country’s public transport system. The service began on June 30, allowing passengers to travel between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in just 1 hour and 45 minutes. The new railway aims to improve travel between the emirates by offering a faster, more comfortable, and environmentally friendly alternative to road transport.
First Route Begins Operations
The passenger service currently connects Mohamed bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi with Al Hilal City Station in Fujairah. According to Etihad Rail, this is the first phase of a larger railway network that will eventually connect all seven emirates and later expand across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
A Step Towards Better Public Transport
The new rail service is part of the UAE’s plan to build an integrated public transport network. Etihad Rail says the trains are designed to provide a safe, reliable, and comfortable travel experience while reducing traffic and lowering carbon emissions.
More Routes to Open Soon
The railway network will expand in phases over the next few years.
- Dubai and Al Dhaid stations are expected to open on September 30.
- Sharjah station is scheduled to begin operations on March 30, 2027.
Meet the First Passenger
Hamad Mansour Al Balooshi became the first person to travel on the inaugural Etihad Rail passenger service from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi. He was selected through Etihad Rail’s “Passenger Who Represents Us All” campaign, which recognized his contributions to the community.
Ticket Prices
Passengers can now book tickets through the Etihad Rail website.
- Comfort Class: Dh55 (around ₹1,400)
- Premium Class: Dh120 (around ₹3,100)
Bookings can also be changed or cancelled online.
Train Timings
Fujairah to Abu Dhabi
- 5:34 am – 7:19 am
- 10:59 am – 12:44 pm
- 5:28 pm – 7:13 pm
Abu Dhabi to Fujairah
- 8:19 am – 10:04 am
- 1:53 pm – 3:38 pm
- 6:39 pm – 8:24 pm
The service currently operates three trips daily in each direction.
Travel Time and Future Plans
The journey between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. In the future, the Abu Dhabi–Dubai route is expected to take just 57 minutes. Once the full railway network is completed, Etihad Rail expects to serve around 36.5 million passengers every year, making it one of the UAE’s biggest transport projects and boosting both daily travel and domestic tourism.
First published on: Jul 01, 2026 10:50 PM IST
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