The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched its first national mainline passenger rail services, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to create an integrated public transport network linking its emirates.
Introductory services began on 30 June between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, with the first train completing the journey in 1 hour and 45 minutes. Six services operated on the opening day, while more than 10,000 tickets had already been sold before trains entered service.
The passenger operation runs over the UAE’s existing 900 km national freight railway, which has been in use since 2023. The network stretches from Ghuwaifat on the Saudi Arabia border to Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman and is currently being extended by a further 238 km into Oman as part of the Hafeet Rail project.
The first phase currently serves only Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. The network is scheduled to expand to include stations in Dubai and Al Dhaid on 30 September, followed by Al Dhafra at the end of December. The opening of a station in Sharjah in March 2027 is expected to complete the initial national passenger network, after which further expansion to additional emirates will be studied.
The passenger services are operated by Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis. The operator said the partnership combines international railway expertise with national transport capabilities to deliver a high-quality passenger experience.
The UAE has invested more than €11 billion in the national railway programme, which is intended to reduce dependence on private cars, ease road congestion, lower emissions and improve connectivity between the country’s emirates. Officials said the passenger railway also supports broader ambitions for tourism, economic development and sustainable growth.
Ahead of the launch, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the project reflected the UAE’s vision of a fully integrated transport network that would strengthen links between the emirates, improve the movement of people and goods, and create new opportunities for investment, tourism and urban development. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan described the launch as a transformative step in the country’s transport system, highlighting the use of modern technologies to provide safe and efficient rail travel.
The initial fleet consists of 13 trains supplied by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) and CRRC Qingdao Sifang. The 200 km/h diesel-electric push-pull trains offer Business, Family and Standard accommodation, with around 400 seats per train. Designed for desert conditions with temperatures of up to 55°C, they feature air conditioning, onboard toilets, charging points, infotainment systems and catering facilities.
Tickets between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah start at 55 dirhams (around €13) in Comfort Class and 120 dirhams (around €28) in Premium Class.
Etihad Rail aims to carry 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030 as the network continues to expand across the country.
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