The phased rollout follows the opening of the Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station in Abu Dhabi. The initial Abu Dhabi–Fujairah journey is scheduled to take around one hour and 45 minutes.
The official network launch is planned for 30 September 2026, when stations in Dubai and Al Dhaid are due to open. Al Dhafra will follow on 30 December, while the station in Sharjah is scheduled to enter service on 30 March 2027.
The passenger fleet consists of 13 trains, each with capacity for up to 400 passengers. Fares on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route start at AED55 for Comfort Class and AED120 for Premium Class.
Tickets can be purchased through the Etihad Rail mobile application and website. Further feasibility studies are planned to assess extensions of the passenger network to additional emirates.
Passenger services will be operated by Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and French public transport operator Keolis.
The passenger project forms part of the wider UAE Railway Programme, which also includes freight operations and integrated transport services. Etihad Rail’s national freight network has already been operating across the country.
