3 min readUpdated: Aug 8, 2026 04:08 PM IST
Etihad Rail passenger train service in UAE: Etihad Rail’s passenger train service will expand connectivity across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with stations planned in Dubai, Sharjah and other locations. The first passenger rail service began between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30. The journey takes just one hour and 45 minutes (105 minutes).
The passenger train service has been launched less than five years after the UAE announced the UAE Railway Programme under the Projects of the 50 initiative in 2021.
The UAE’s passenger rail network will connect 11 cities and regions through strategically located stations. These are: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Al Sila’, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a, Al Faya and Al Dhaid.
Etihad Rail passenger services: Dubai, Sharjah stations opening timeline (Image: Etihad Rail)
Etihad Rail passenger services: When will Dubai, Al Dhaid and other stations open?
According to Etihad Rail, passenger train services to Dubai, Al Dhaid, Al Dhafra and Sharjah will be launched in phases. Dubai and Al Dhaid stations are scheduled to open on September 30, 2026, followed by Liwa and Madinat Zayed on November 30, 2026. The remaining Al Dhafra stations are scheduled to open on December 30, 2026, followed by Sharjah station on March 30, 2027, further expanding passenger connectivity across the UAE.
Etihad Rail: Upcoming Station Openings
The passenger network will continue to expand across the UAE, strengthening connectivity between people, places and opportunities.
Station Opening Timeline
1
30 September 2026
Dubai and Al Dhaid stations open
2
30 November 2026
Liwa and Madinat Zayed stations open
3
30 December 2026
Remaining Al Dhafra stations open
4
30 March 2027
Sharjah station opens
Source: Etihad Rail
Etihad Rail sells over 70,000 train tickets in 34 days
As of August 3, Etihad Rail had sold more than 70,000 train tickets. It also said that passengers are currently booking their journeys an average of 12 days in advance.
“The figures provide one of the clearest indications yet that passenger rail is beginning to establish itself as a new travel choice for families, commuters, leisure travellers and visitors exploring the country.
Rather than simply experiencing the service for the first time, customers are increasingly organising business trips, family travel and leisure activities around the railway, signalling that rail is becoming part of how people move across the UAE,” the Etihad Rail said in a statement.
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Abu Dhabi-Fujairah train: Speed, ticket price
Etihad Rail’s Abu Dhabi to Fujairah passenger train is operating at speeds of up to 200 kmph. The passenger rail fleet comprises 13 trains, each with a carrying capacity up to 400 passengers. Fares for the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route start at AED 55 for Comfort Class and AED 120 for Premium Class.
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