The UAE’s national passenger rail network is now open. Etihad Rail’s Dubai Station was inaugurated on Tuesday in the presence of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who travelled aboard the train from Abu Dhabi to Dubai ahead of the ceremony, reviewing operations and passenger services along the route.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of Etihad Rail, officiated at the inauguration alongside senior UAE officials.
During a tour of the station, Sheikh Hamdan received a briefing from Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak on how the station fits into the broader national network.
Etihad Rail’s Dubai Station will serve as a new gateway linking Dubai with the UAE capital and the rest of the country, Sheikh Hamdan said, adding that integration with the national rail network would strengthen the emirate’s transport infrastructure and support its long-term growth ambitions.
Sheikh Theyab described the launch as a milestone in the Projects of the 50, noting that the network had grown into an integrated national system in under five years. He said demand on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah corridor already demonstrated public confidence in passenger rail as a practical mode of travel.
Commercial services between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah begin on September 30, 2026. Tickets are on sale through the Etihad Rail app, website and station vending machines. Fares start at AED 39 for Comfort Class and AED 109 for Premium Class.
Dubai Station connects to the wider city transport network via a pedestrian bridge to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station. Passengers can also link Etihad Rail journeys with Metro, Tram and bus services through Dubai’s Nol system using a single QR code.
Services are operated by Etihad Rail Mobility, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and French transport operator Keolis.
