The UAE’s passenger rail network has moved closer to reality after Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, inaugurated Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station in Abu Dhabi on June 23, 2026 and witnessed the formal unveiling of the national network’s rollout schedule.
The first trains will run on June 30, 2026, when an introductory service opens between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, cutting the journey to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The official launch follows on September 30, 2026, when stations in Dubai and Al Dhaid open. Al Dhafra joins the network on December 30, 2026, with Sharjah completing the route on March 30, 2027.
Fares on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route start at AED55 for Comfort Class and AED120 for Premium Class. The fleet comprises 13 trains, each carrying up to 400 passengers. Tickets can be booked through the Etihad Rail mobile app and official website from June 23, 2026.
Services will be operated by Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis, the French public transport group. Stations will include cafés, restaurants, retail outlets and onboard dining.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, said the network “marks a transformative milestone in the development of the UAE’s national transport ecosystem” and that its integration with other transport modes would give passengers “more convenient and flexible travel options.”
The passenger rail project was announced as part of the Projects of the 50 in 2021. Officials said delivering it ahead of schedule reflects the UAE’s ability to execute large infrastructure programmes at pace. Feasibility studies for extending the network to additional emirates are planned as a next phase.
