UAE Launches National Passenger Rail Network Connecting Major Cities
Etihad Rail has inaugurated its Dubai Station and opened ticket bookings for passenger services connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah starting September 30.
The United Arab Emirates has officially launched its national passenger rail network following the inauguration of the Dubai Station on September 28 and 29, 2026. Etihad Rail reopened ticket bookings via its website and mobile app ahead of the September 30 start date for public services connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. The network is also expanding its reach to Al Dhaid in Sharjah.
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reviewed operations by traveling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai via the rail network prior to the station's opening. The Dubai Station, located at Al Yalayis in Jumeirah Golf Estates, connects to the Dubai Metro Red Line via a pedestrian bridge. To ensure seamless transit, the station integrates the Nol payment system for unified QR code ticketing across trains, metro, tram, and buses.
Passenger services are managed by Etihad Rail Mobility, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and the international transport operator Keolis. Fares for the Dubai-Abu Dhabi route start at AED 39 for Comfort Class and AED 109 for Premium Class, while journeys between Dubai and Fujairah start at AED 29. The network previously began operations between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in June before expanding to the Dubai hub.
