The wait is finally over. Etihad Rail has officially announced the launch date for its long-awaited passenger service, marking a major milestone in the UAE’s transportation landscape. During the inauguration of the Mohamed Bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station on June 23, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, confirmed that passenger operations will begin on June 30, 2026.
The railway network is set to transform travel across the Emirates, offering faster journeys, modern amenities, and eventually connecting all seven emirates as well as the wider GCC region.
The First Passenger Route Launches on June 30
Etihad Rail will begin its introductory operational phase on June 30, 2026, with a direct passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. The route will dramatically cut travel times between the two emirates to just one hour and 45 minutes, providing a faster and more convenient alternative to road travel.
The launch marks the first public passenger operation for the UAE’s national railway network and signals the beginning of a new era of intercity transportation.
The Railway Has Already Completed Its First Passenger Mission
While the public launch is still days away, Etihad Rail has already carried passengers under exceptional circumstances. Amid regional travel disruptions caused by the US-Iran-Israel conflict, the railway transported more than 350 stranded people from Saudi Arabia back to the UAE.
Three special passenger services operated along the Al Ghuwaifat–Al Faya route, connecting the UAE-Saudi border to Abu Dhabi. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi (ADCMC) and other authorities, offering a glimpse of the network’s potential before its official debut.
A Network Connecting the UAE from Coast to Coast
The initial passenger network will connect 10 cities across the UAE, stretching from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah on the east coast. Along the route, trains will stop at key destinations including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Liwa, Madinat Zayed, Al Mirfa and Al Dhannah.
The network is designed to eventually link all seven emirates, creating a seamless rail corridor that will strengthen connectivity, support tourism, and reduce reliance on road transport.
When Will the Rest of the Network Open?
The June 30 launch is only the beginning. Following the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah service, Etihad Rail will continue expanding its passenger operations in phases throughout the coming year.
Dubai and Al Dhaid stations are scheduled to open on September 30, 2026, followed by the Al Dhafra region stations on December 30, 2026. Sharjah’s passenger station will complete the next phase of expansion when it opens on March 30, 2027, bringing even more destinations into the growing rail network.
The First Passenger Stations Revealed
Etihad Rail has also unveiled the locations of its first passenger stations across the UAE. The initial network will include:
- Abu Dhabi Mohammed Bin Zayed City (June 2026)
- Fujairah Station in Al Hilal, Fujairah (June 2026)
- Dubai Station at Jumeirah Golf Estates (September 2026)
- Al Dhaid, Sharjah (September 2026)
- Al Sila, Abu Dhabi (December 2026)
- Al Dhannah, Abu Dhabi (December 2026)
- Al Mirfa, Abu Dhabi (December 2026)
- Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi (December 2026)
- Liwa, Abu Dhabi (December 2026)
- Al Faya, Abu Dhabi (December 2026)
- Sharjah University City (March 2027)
These stations will serve as important transport hubs connecting communities across the country while supporting economic growth and tourism.
What Can Passengers Expect Onboard?
The trains will feature comfortable seating, charging stations, food and beverage options, generous legroom and advanced air-conditioning systems. High levels of security and operational efficiency have also been built into the passenger experience, ensuring smooth and reliable journeys across the network.
Beyond everyday passenger services, Etihad Rail is also planning to introduce a premium travel experience. The company has partnered with Italian luxury hospitality firm Arsenale to develop a high-end rail offering, widely expected to resemble the elegance and glamour of the iconic Orient Express.
The passenger experience will extend beyond the trains themselves. Every station across the network is expected to feature cafés, restaurants, retail outlets and a variety of international brands, turning stations into vibrant lifestyle destinations rather than simple transport hubs.
As the UAE prepares to welcome its first nationwide passenger rail service, Etihad Rail promises to redefine how residents and visitors travel across the country, offering a faster, more sustainable and more connected future for mobility.
We Said This: Don’t Miss… UAE Just Set a Guinness Record for the World’s Longest Musical Street
