Abu Dhabi: The UAE has moved closer to a new era of public transport after Etihad Rail announced the launch schedule for its first nationwide passenger service. The UAE Passenger Train project will connect major cities and emirates via a modern rail network designed for faster, more comfortable travel.
Initially, Etihad Rail will begin passenger operations between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30, 2026. The route will provide residents, tourists, and business travelers with a direct alternative to long road journeys.
Moreover, the service will reduce travel time between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah to around one hour and 45 minutes. This change can make inter-emirate travel easier for people who regularly move between the capital and the east coast.
The UAE Passenger Train network will expand in stages instead of opening all routes at once. Etihad Rail plans to launch the wider national network on September 30, 2026, marking an important step in the country’s transport development plan.
Meanwhile, Dubai and Al Dhaid will be added to the passenger rail map on the same date. These new connections will help travelers move across the country with more flexibility and fewer road delays.
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheik Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan recently opened the passenger station in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. During his visit, officials explained the station’s systems, passenger facilities, and preparations for the new service.
The UAE Passenger Train station will offer more than just a boarding point for travelers. It will include cafés, restaurants, retail spaces, and outlets from international brands to improve the overall travel experience.
In addition, Etihad Rail plans to offer food and drink services inside the trains. Therefore, passengers can spend longer journeys in a more relaxed setting while enjoying basic onboard comfort.
Ticket bookings opened on June 23, 2026, through the Etihad Rail website and mobile application. Travelers can choose their preferred class and complete bookings before the first service begins.
For the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route, Comfort Class tickets start at AED 55. Premium Class fares will start at AED 120, offering passengers additional comfort during the journey.
The UAE Passenger Train fleet will initially include 13 trains. Each train can carry about 400 passengers, allowing the operator to serve a large number of daily commuters and visitors.
Furthermore, the rail project will support the UAE’s wider goal of improving mobility between its emirates. It can also encourage residents to rely less on private cars for selected long-distance trips.
Etihad Rail will continue the expansion after the first routes begin service. Stations in the Al Dhafra region will start operations from December 30, 2026, bringing rail connectivity to another important part of the country.
After that, the UAE Passenger Train service will reach Sharjah on March 30, 2027. This final phase will strengthen the link between the northern emirates, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah.
The rollout reflects the UAE’s focus on smarter infrastructure and integrated public transport. It also gives travelers a new way to plan work trips, family visits, and leisure travel across the country.
Unlike a short-term transport initiative, the UAE Passenger Train system aims to create long-lasting connections between communities. As the network grows, it can reshape how people experience distance within the Emirates.
The project also carries economic value because easier movement can support tourism, trade, and local businesses. Consequently, more people may choose rail travel when they want reliable schedules, comfortable seating, and a smooth journey.
For many residents, the first passenger service represents a major change in everyday travel. The UAE Passenger Train will not only connect stations; it will bring people, opportunities, and destinations closer across the country.
