UAE passenger rail opens new travel corridor

The UAE’s first Etihad Rail passenger service has begun carrying travellers between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, opening a new phase in the country’s transport infrastructure and giving residents a rail alternative to long inter-emirate road journeys.

The inaugural service left Fujairah’s Al Hilal City station at 5.34am on June 30 and arrived at Mohamed bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi at 7am, ahead of its scheduled journey time. Regular travel between the two emirates is expected to take about one hour and 45 minutes, cutting roughly an hour from a typical car journey and offering a more predictable option on one of the country’s longest domestic travel corridors.

The launch marks the first passenger operation on a rail network that has already been used for freight since 2023. Passenger services are being introduced in phases, beginning with the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route before expanding to Dubai, Al Dhaid, Al Dhafra and Sharjah. The wider network is designed to connect 11 cities and regions, linking population centres, industrial zones, tourism destinations and emerging residential communities.

Ticket demand has shown strong early interest, with more than 10,000 tickets sold before operations began. Launch-period fares on the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route start at Dh55 for Comfort Class and Dh120 for Premium Class, with bookings available through Etihad Rail’s digital channels. The pricing is central to the project’s early test of whether residents will shift from private cars to rail for intercity travel, particularly for weekend trips, business travel and visits between families across the emirates.

The passenger fleet comprises 13 trains, each able to carry up to 400 passengers and operate at speeds of up to 200kph. The trains offer Wi-Fi, power outlets, modern seating and onboard dining options. Stations are being developed with cafés, retail outlets, smart ticketing and links to taxis, buses and other mobility services, reflecting a broader push to make rail part of a connected transport system rather than a standalone project.

The next major milestone is expected on September 30, when Dubai Station at Jumeirah Golf Estates and Al Dhaid Station are scheduled to open with the formal launch of the wider passenger network. Stations in Al Dhafra are due to begin operations on December 30, while Sharjah’s University City station is scheduled to open on March 30, 2027. Feasibility studies are also planned for further expansion to additional emirates and regions.

The tourism impact is likely to be felt first in Fujairah and the east coast, where rail access could increase day trips from Abu Dhabi and, later, Dubai. The route passes through mountain and inland landscapes that are distinct from the UAE’s main urban corridors, creating opportunities for hotels, tour operators, cafés and leisure businesses around stations. Easier access may also support domestic tourism during periods when residents choose shorter local breaks over international travel.

For Abu Dhabi, the Mohamed bin Zayed City station adds a major transport node outside the city centre, with potential to support residential growth, commuting and property development in surrounding areas. For Fujairah, the service provides a direct link to the capital and could strengthen its position as a leisure, logistics and investment destination. Al Dhaid’s inclusion in the next phase may bring similar benefits to inland communities that have historically relied heavily on road links.

Economic gains are expected to extend beyond passenger fares. Rail can support station-area development, retail activity, maintenance jobs, operations roles and new service businesses. It may also encourage companies to reassess office, housing and logistics decisions as travel times between emirates become more reliable. The network is projected to handle 36.5 million passenger journeys annually by 2030, a target that will depend on service frequency, last-mile connections, fare competitiveness and public acceptance.