Etihad Rail has sold 120,000 tickets in the first month since its national passenger network launched, with journeys recorded across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid, and Fujairah between 30 September and 30 October 2026.
“Our ambition is for passenger rail to become a natural part of everyday life, and a trusted choice that people return to time and again for comfortable, safe and reliable travel. The strong response we have seen during the first month reflects passengers’ confidence in this new mode of transport and reinforces our commitment to continuously enhancing our services in line with their needs and expectations. In doing so, we are contributing to the vision of our wise leadership to transform mobility across the UAE,” Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial and Support, Etihad Rail Mobility said in a statement.
The four-city network reached its current configuration with the addition of Dubai Al Yalayis Station and Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah to the earlier Abu Dhabi and Fujairah stops, which had been operating during an introductory phase.
Each station is connected to onward transport options. At Dubai Al Yalayis, a pedestrian bridge links directly to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Red Line. In Abu Dhabi, shuttle buses from Mohamed bin Zayed City Station serve ADNOC Headquarters, ADNEC Centre, Reem Mall, and Yas Island.
Etihad Rail said the network is designed to appeal to both professionals, who can use travel time for work with onboard charging points, and families looking to avoid road congestion on intercity trips.
Expansion is already planned. Stations in Liwa, Madinat Zayed, and across the Al Dhafra Region are expected to open in the coming months, extending the network’s reach further into Abu Dhabi’s western territories.
