UAE passenger rail services will launch on 30 June 2026, after national rail operator Etihad Rail opened the Mohamed bin Zayed City passenger station in Abu Dhabi.

Mohamed bin Zayed City passenger station in Abu Dhabi
Mohamed bin Zayed City passenger station in Abu Dhabi, opened ahead of the UAE passenger rail services launch. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

The station was formally inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. At the same event, he attended the presentation of the future UAE passenger rail network⁠, which will introduce intercity passenger rail transport in the country.

The first stage of operations will cover the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah rail route. Authorities said passenger services on this corridor will begin on 30 June 2026, reducing the journey time to 1 hour and 45 minutes and offering an alternative to road travel.

UAE passenger rail services start in Abu Dhabi

During his visit, the Crown Prince inspected the station’s facilities, operational management systems and passenger-flow arrangements. He was also briefed on plans to expand capacity and introduce smart solutions designed to improve the travel experience.

Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said:

“The passenger train project reflects the UAE’s vision for a fully integrated transport network that strengthens connectivity between the emirates, supports sustainable growth through the efficient movement of people and goods, and opens new opportunities for investment, tourism and urban development,”

Etihad Rail network rollout to continue in stages

The wider network is scheduled to open progressively. Dubai and Al Dhaid stations are due to enter service with the official network launch on 30 September 2026. Al Dhafra stations are planned to follow on 30 December 2026, while Sharjah station is expected to complete the project on 30 March 2027.

Etihad Rail Chairman Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan described the passenger rail network as a transformative milestone for the country’s transport system.

“The passenger rail network marks a defining moment in the development of the UAE’s national transport ecosystem, harnessing the latest technologies and innovations to deliver a modern, safe and highly efficient mobility system,”

He also said that linking railway stations with other modes of transport would improve access between cities and major economic and tourism destinations across the UAE.

CAF trains and Etihad Rail fares

The passenger fleet includes 13 CAF passenger trains⁠. Each train will be able to carry up to 400 passengers and operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h.

On the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route, fares will begin at AED 55 (€13) for Comfort Class and AED 120 (€28) for Premium Class. Tickets have been available through the Etihad Rail mobile application and official website since 23 June 2026.

Operations will be handled by Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis⁠, one of the world’s leading public transport operators.

What will change for passengers?

The first Abu Dhabi–Fujairah service is part of a wider passenger rail plan rather than a standalone route. Etihad Rail has said its passenger services are intended to connect 11 cities and locations across the UAE, from Al Sila to Fujairah, with annual ridership expected to exceed 36.5 million passengers by 2030. This gives the initial launch a broader passenger context while keeping the focus on the confirmed first corridor and phased station openings.

The passenger network is part of the UAE Railway Programme, which brings together freight services, passenger rail and integrated mobility solutions. Authorities expect the programme to improve connections between major economic and tourism centres, support sustainable development and strengthen the UAE’s role as a regional logistics and economic hub.