Comfort, speed and scenic views await travellers on Etihad Rail’s inaugural route.
Dubai: Today (June 30, 2026) marks a historic milestone for the UAE, as the long-anticipated Etihad Rail begins its inaugural journey from Fujairah at 5:34 am. The transformative project is set to reshape how people travel across the country.
While tickets for the first day sold out quickly, here’s what the train journey could look like for those who will travel in the future.
The Fujairah station is located in Fujairah, within Hilal City, a strategically chosen site close to the emirate’s key economic hubs.
If you want a smoother editorial version of your sentence:
The station is located in Hilal City in the emirate of Fujairah, a strategically selected location due to its proximity to the region’s major economic centres.
Commuters will also find it conveniently located just 12 minutes from Fujairah International Airport, with the station offering parking facilities as well as dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones for ride-hailing services.
Highlights: Etihad Rail launches first passenger service
- Historic milestone: Etihad Rail’s inaugural passenger service officially begins today (June 30), marking the start of passenger operations on the UAE’s national railway.
- First departure: The inaugural train departs Fujairah at 5:34 am for Abu Dhabi.
- Travel time: The journey is expected to take 105 minutes, connecting the east coast to the capital by rail for the first time.
- Early arrivals: Passengers arrived at the station around 30 minutes before departure to be part of the landmark event.
- Boarding underway: Travellers boarded the train in the final minutes ahead of its historic departure.
- A new era in transport: The launch marks a major step in expanding the UAE’s public transport network and improving inter-emirate connectivity.
- Commemorative tickets: Passengers printed souvenir tickets as keepsakes of their inaugural journey.
- Photo opportunities: A dedicated photography corner at the station allowed passengers to capture and print commemorative images before boarding.
What to expect inside the station
The station has been thoughtfully designed with passenger comfort and accessibility in mind. Its two platforms are accessible via both elevators and escalators, and the facility features a premium lounge, a help desk, a police hub, and clearly signposted directions throughout.
Real-time train timetable screens keep travellers updated, while dedicated staff are available throughout the station to provide assistance.
Accessibility has been integrated into the station’s design from the outset, ensuring it is welcoming and easy to navigate for all passengers.
The station also offers a range of amenities, including bus stops, designated taxi pick-up points, food and beverage outlets, retail stores, car parking facilities, and dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones, along with other essential services.
Train tickets and boarding the train
Once inside the station, passengers can purchase tickets via self-service kiosks, selecting their departure and arrival stations as well as their preferred travel time.
Passengers can also book tickets in advance via the Etihad Rail website or through the Etihad Rail mobile app.
Tickets are issued as either physical passes or electronic e-passes. At platform entry, automated barriers require passengers to scan their ticket or e-pass for access.
Ticket prices and classes
Etihad Rail offers two main travel classes, with promotional introductory fares currently available:
- Comfort Class: Fares reduced from Dh109 to Dh55
- Premium Class: Fares reduced from Dh239 to Dh120
The train: capacity, speed, and platform overview
Each train can accommodate up to 400 passengers and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h. Etihad Rail also projects annual ridership to reach around 10 million passengers once services are fully operational.
Inside the carriages: comfort, amenities and features
Onboard, there are two travel classes: Standard and Premium. Standard seating features comfortable grey seats, while the Premium cabin offers wider, reclining seats designed for a more relaxed journey.
Complimentary beverages and snacks are provided onboard for Premium Class passengers, while Standard Class passengers can purchase items from the trolley service.
Across both classes, the train is equipped with a range of practical amenities, including retractable tray tables, overhead and under-seat luggage storage, wall-mounted hooks for personal belongings, free onboard Wi-Fi, under-seat USB charging ports and power sockets, and waste bins throughout the coaches to maintain cleanliness. Safety features are also integrated throughout the train.
The scenery: what you will see out the window
One of the most compelling aspects of the Etihad Rail Fujairah to Abu Dhabi route is the scenic views along the journey.
As the train departs Fujairah, passengers are treated to sweeping views of the Hajar Mountains, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah, Al-Bithnah Fort, as well as rolling farmland and date palm groves scattered across nearby towns and villages.
The route also passes through nine tunnels carved through the Hajar Mountains, spanning a total length of 6.9 kilometres.
Abu Dhabi Station – Mohamed Bin Zayed City
The Abu Dhabi station is located in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, along the edge of the Mussafah Industrial Area.
Once you arrive at your destination, the Abu Dhabi Station is well-equipped with a wide range of amenities, similar to the Fujairah station. These include bus stops, taxi-hailing services, ample waiting areas, ticket vending machines, food and beverage outlets, and car parking facilities.
In addition, a convenient shuttle bus service connects passengers to and from the station for Dh10, which can be booked online along with your ticket purchase.
