Etihad Rail to Launch First Passenger Service on This Date
Etihad Rail launches UAE passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30.
Etihad Rail is set to inaugurate the United Arab Emirates' long-awaited passenger rail network on June 30, launching its first service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the country's largest infrastructure initiative, aiming to transform public transport across the emirates.
Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that journeys on the inaugural route will take approximately one hour and 45 minutes. The service will connect the Mohamed bin Zayed City passenger station in Abu Dhabi with the station in Al Hilal City, Fujairah. Notably, the Fujairah station was the first to be completed as the national project took shape.
Ticket Prices and Booking
Passengers can book journeys and purchase tickets starting today through the Etihad Rail app and official website. Fare structures have been revealed for the new service:
- Comfort Class: Starting at Dh55 ($15).
- Premium Class: Priced at Dh120.
The train fleet comprises 13 units, each capable of carrying 400 passengers and reaching speeds of up to 200kph. Stations along the route are designed to offer amenities including cafes, restaurants, and retail outlets, with dining options also available onboard.
Phased Expansion Plan
While the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah line opens first, the wider Etihad Rail passenger network is expected to eventually span 900km across the country. A phased expansion plan outlines the opening of additional stations:
- September 30: Stations in Dubai (Jumeirah Golf Estates) and Al Dhaid in Sharjah.
- December 30: Al Dhafra train station.
- March 30: Sharjah's University City station.
Five additional stations—located in Al Dhanna, Al Sila, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, and Liwa—are listed on the network map, though their launch dates have not yet been announced.
Connectivity and Logistics
To facilitate access to the new infrastructure, Etihad Rail will provide a shuttle bus service to and from the Mohamed bin Zayed City station. Services will run between the station and key locations in the capital, including ADNOC headquarters, Corniche Road West, the ADNEC Centre, and Reem Mall on Reem Island. The shuttle buses cost Dh10 and can be booked via the dedicated app.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, inaugurated the Mohamed bin Zayed City passenger station on Tuesday. He described the commencement of passenger services as a reflection of the country's efforts to develop a fully integrated transport network.
"The start of passenger services reflected the country's efforts to develop a fully integrated transport network to strengthen connectivity between the emirates and spur investment, tourism and urban development," Sheikh Khaled said, hailing the initiative as a strategic investment to advance the UAE's global standing.
Strategic Partnership and Goals
Passenger services will be operated by Etihad Rail in partnership with Keolis, a global leader in passenger transport with experience managing networks such as the Dubai Metro and London's Docklands Light Railway.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Chairman of Etihad Rail, emphasized that the network would provide a "modern and efficient travel experience" tailored to public needs. Passenger numbers across the network are projected to reach 36 million by 2030, supporting environmental goals by reducing car usage while keeping people moving between the emirates.