Following its formal launch by United Arab Emirates leaders, Etihad Rail has opened its nationwide passenger rail network for public bookings, connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah with commercial services that began on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Official Launch and High-Level Inauguration in Dubai
The nationwide passenger service officially commenced after the inauguration of the Etihad Rail station in Dubai by Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense, alongside Diab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of Etihad Rail. The high-profile ceremony was attended by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who personally rode the train from Abu Dhabi to Dubai prior to the public opening to inspect the operational systems and passenger facilities.
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE President, noted on social media that the project reinforces the nation’s standing as an important regional logistics hub.
Linking the Emirate of Dubai to the national Etihad Rail network enhances its presence at the heart of the country's movement, supports its pivotal role in the national economy, and solidifies its position as a global center for business, tourism, and investment. It also adds to Dubai's assets a national transport infrastructure that enhances accessibility to and from the emirate, keeping pace with its growth and future ambition. Hamdan
Etihad Rail Launches Passenger Service Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi
On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the first public passenger train departed from the Yalayis station in Dubai bound for Abu Dhabi, completing the journey in approximately 64 minutes. The Yalayis terminal features a dedicated 400-meter pedestrian bridge linking directly to the Dubai Metro network.
The network also connects regional hubs across the Emirates. Responding to high early demand over the opening weekend, Etihad Rail added six extra weekend trains providing over 1,000 additional seats distributed across three new trips on Saturday, October 3, and another 1,000 seats across three new trips on Sunday, October 4.
Etihad Rail Details Ticketing Rules and Fare Structures
Etihad Rail published detailed guidelines for passenger bookings and station transit. Other routes see prices starting at 59 dirhams for comfort class and 149 dirhams for premium class. Passengers can book online, via station ticket machines, or integrate journeys using Dubai’s Nol transit system using a unified QR code.
- Gate closures occur before departures, and leaving the secure departure zone after scanning a ticket requires purchasing a new ticket to re-enter.
- Missing a scheduled train requires booking a new ticket, while extending a journey beyond the original destination requires purchasing an add-on ticket subject to seat availability.
- Ticket changes and refunds depend on the specific ticket category, with digital payments and automated management available through the app, website, station ticket machines, or call center.
Network Expansion Supports National Emissions Goals and Wildlife Protection
Beyond passenger transit, corporate leaders emphasize the network’s long-term environmental value. Azhra Al Mansoori, Manager of Public Policy and Sustainability at Etihad Rail, noted that shifting freight movement to rail supports national emissions goals by eliminating truck trips and significantly reducing carbon output per trip compared to road transport.
Environmental protection measures integrated into the infrastructure include 45 wildlife corridors dedicated to gazelles, 16 corridors for camels, and 129 corridors for reptiles, alongside the safe relocation of more than 300 animals during the construction of the network.
