Etihad Rail passenger rules set fines up to EUR 2,380

Etihad Rail passenger rules now set out rights, travel obligations, station security procedures, and fines for the company’s new rail services in the United Arab Emirates.

The company, which develops and operates the UAE’s national railway network, has defined the rules that will apply to passengers using the new services.

The ⁠Etihad Rail Passenger Charter covers conduct on trains, at stations, and in other railway-related areas. It also explains when a passenger may be refused travel, removed from a train or platform, fined, or reported to the authorities.

The rules have been published as Etihad Rail launches passenger operations, including services on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route. Public interest in the route has been high, with Emirati media reporting that ⁠more than 10,000 tickets were sold before the first journey on June 30.

Etihad Rail passenger rules and fines

Etihad Rail has issued a list of penalties for passengers who breach its travel rules. The fines range from 100 to 10,000 dirhams, or approximately EUR 24 to EUR 2,380, depending on the seriousness of the violation.

Many common breaches fall into the 200-dirham category, equivalent to around EUR 48. This applies to littering where it is not allowed, placing feet on seats, boarding without a valid ticket, using a reduced-fare ticket without being entitled to it, sitting in a reserved seat without permission, or travelling in a higher class than the ticket allows.

The same 200-dirham fine may apply to passengers who do not leave the platform at the destination station, ignore instructions from Etihad Rail employees, or carry items that are prohibited or restricted.

The charter also defines ticket validity. Passengers are required to hold a valid ticket before boarding. To be valid, the ticket must show the correct date, time, and name, match the journey being taken, and not have been used before.

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Smoking, vaping, and abusive conduct

A separate penalty level of 500 dirhams, or about EUR 119, applies to smoking, inhaling, or vaping in areas where this is prohibited, including trains and stations.

The 500-dirham fine also covers disruptive, offensive, abusive, threatening, or intimidating conduct. The charter lists behaviour such as excessive noise, harassment, verbal abuse, threats, littering on trains or at stations, and spitting.

Other violations in this category include actions that delay a train, attempts to board or leave while the train is moving, possession or trafficking of controlled substances, and commercial filming or photography without written approval from Etihad Rail.

Higher fines for doors and safety systems

More serious offences can lead to a fine of 5,000 dirhams, or approximately EUR 1,190.

This category includes blocking train doors, interfering with them, or opening or trying to open them while a train is moving or while it is at a station. It also covers activating safety equipment without a valid reason.

The same level of penalty applies to damaging or tampering with emergency alarms, emergency brakes, or fire extinguishers. Other listed offences include throwing objects at, from, or towards trains, entering railway property without authorisation, using emergency exits without justification, and damaging trains or station property.

Graffiti and other forms of vandalism are specifically included in this higher-fine category.

For violations not separately listed but committed on trains, in stations, or in associated railway areas, Etihad Rail says the fine may be set between 100 and 10,000 dirhams, or approximately EUR 24 to EUR 2,380. The amount depends on the seriousness of the offence and Etihad Rail’s discretion.

Passenger removal and security checks

The Passenger Charter gives Etihad Rail the right to refuse transport, interrupt a passenger’s journey, suspend or deny access to services, and inform the relevant authorities.

These measures may be used if a passenger breaks the rules and then refuses to stop the prohibited conduct or leave the train or premises when instructed by authorised staff.

Before removal, staff are required to explain what rule has been breached. However, if travel is denied because of a violation, the passenger is not automatically entitled to compensation or a ticket refund.

Refusal to pass through a security check, failure to obey staff instructions, aggressive, abusive, or threatening conduct, disturbing the comfort of other passengers, tampering with safety equipment, and carrying prohibited items are among the situations that may result in denial of service or passenger removal from trains.

Etihad Rail says random security checks at stations may be carried out to support passenger safety.

Passengers and luggage may be screened before boarding or elsewhere inside stations. Items considered to pose a safety or security risk may be barred from transport and, where necessary, reported to the authorities.

The company states that passengers must cooperate with security staff, show tickets or travel documents when asked, and follow instructions given by station and onboard personnel.

Rules for delayed or cancelled trains

The charter also explains what passengers can expect when services are disrupted by delayed or cancelled trains.

Etihad Rail says affected passengers will receive priority updates, travel assistance, and fair solutions. Information may be provided through email, SMS, WhatsApp, station screens, onboard displays, and public announcements.

If departure is delayed by at least 30 minutes, passengers may cancel their journey. In that case, they can choose either to rebook on another service or receive a full refund for the ticket.

If a train is cancelled, passengers will be offered rebooking on another train service or alternative transport arrangements.

When disruption occurs after passengers have already boarded, Etihad Rail says it will try to carry them to their final destination by train at no extra cost or provide another solution.

What changes for passengers?

Etihad Rail’s Passenger Charter comes as the company moves from preparation to public passenger operations. The introductory Abu Dhabi–Fujairah service began on 30 June 2026, with a stated journey time of 1 hour and 45 minutes. Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station are scheduled to open with the official launch on 30 September 2026, followed by Al Dhafra on 30 December 2026 and Sharjah on 30 March 2027.

For passengers, the rules on tickets, conduct, security checks, fines, delays, and refunds are being introduced alongside a staged rollout of intercity rail travel in the UAE.

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