UAE Launches Etihad Rail Passenger Service Linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated Etihad Rail's Al Yalayis Station in Dubai on September 28, marking the official launch of the UAE's national passenger rail network. He travelled aboard the train from Abu Dhabi to Dubai ahead of the public launch, reviewing operations and meeting Emirati staff working on the project. Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, accompanied him during the station tour.

Public passenger services began on September 30 with the first train departing Al Yalayis Station for Abu Dhabi at 6:14 am. The 60-minute journey covers the route at speeds up to 200 km/h. Tickets start at Dh39 for Comfort Class and Dh109 for Premium. The initial schedule offers 10 daily trips between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and six daily trips connecting Dubai to Fujairah.

“Less than five years ago, the UAE passenger rail network was an ambition we were striving to achieve, and today it has become a national reality connecting the various parts of the country.”

Al Yalayis Station provides direct access to the Dubai Metro's Jumeirah Properties station. Onboard amenities include Emirati hospitality such as Arabic coffee, dates, loumi chocolate, and rahash chocolate. Passengers on the inaugural service received commemorative coins dated September 30, 2026, and personalised luggage tags. A guidance robot named Luka assists travellers with schedules and station information.

Azra Al Mansouri, Executive Director of Commercial Sector at Etihad Rail Passenger Services, said the network had transformed from an ambition into a national reality in under five years. Early passengers included Sharjah resident Wajahat Rizvi, who travelled with his family to experience the new service. The launch represents a major milestone in the UAE's transport infrastructure development.