Passengers will be allowed to travel with pets, but strict carrier and baggage regulations will apply.
Dubai: Passengers travelling on the UAE’s Etihad Rail passenger service will be allowed to bring domestic pets on board, provided they comply with the operator’s baggage and safety regulations.
Etihad Rail launched its first passenger service connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30. The journey takes around one hour and 45 minutes, with trains reaching speeds of up to 200 kph. It marks the first phase of Etihad Rail’s wider passenger network, which will eventually link 11 cities and regions across the UAE.
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, here’s what you need to know.
Pets allowed on Etihad Rail passenger trains
Etihad Rail allows domestic pets, including dogs and falcons, to travel on board, provided they are kept in an approved pet carrier.
The carrier must not exceed 55 cm × 40 cm × 23 cm in size and must remain with the passenger for the duration of the journey.
Passengers should also note the following rules:
- The pet must remain inside the carrier at all times.
- The pet carrier counts as part of the passenger’s standard carry-on baggage allowance.
- Passengers cannot bring both a pet carrier and a separate carry-on cabin bag.
- Only one pet carrier is allowed per passenger.
- Pets must remain under the owner’s control throughout the journey.
- Trained and certified assistance dogs are permitted but must be booked in advance via Etihad Rail’s Contact Centre.
Pushchairs and mobility aids
Families travelling with children may carry one pushchair free of charge per child, provided it is folded before boarding. Etihad Rail also recommends wrapping pushchairs to help protect them during travel.
Passengers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids will be accommodated, but only electric wheelchairs with integrated manufacturer-installed batteries are permitted. Dedicated wheelchair spaces must be reserved at the time of booking.
Items you cannot bring on board
Etihad Rail has strict rules prohibiting certain items on its passenger services to ensure the safety and comfort of all travellers.
The following items are strictly forbidden:
- Weapons of any kind
- Explosives and explosive materials
- Flammable or hazardous substances
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Alcoholic beverages
- Smoking devices and electronic cigarettes
- Bicycles and e-scooters
Passengers are also not permitted to carry the following items on board:
- Bicycles
- Scooters
- E-scooters
- E-bikes
- Oversized items that obstruct aisles or luggage storage areas
In addition, passengers are not permitted to carry any item that may pose a safety risk, cause inconvenience to other travellers, or produce strong odours that could affect fellow passengers.
Travellers are advised to review Etihad Rail’s full list of restricted and prohibited items before their journey to ensure a smooth boarding process.
