A quick read of the rulebook now could save you thousands of dirhams later

Penalties for breaking the rules on the Etihad Rail start at Dhs200 and can rise to as much as Dhs5,000, depending on the offence.

Here’s a look at what could get you fined…

Fines of Dhs200

These are among the lower-level offences, but they’re still enough to put a dent in your wallet.

Passengers can be issued a Dhs200 penalty for:

  • Leaving rubbish behind in stations or on trains
  • Placing shoes or feet on seats
  • Staying on the platform after reaching the final stop of their journey
  • Travelling without a valid ticket
  • Attempting to avoid paying the correct fare
  • Using tickets incorrectly
  • Taking a reserved seat without permission
  • Carrying items that are prohibited or restricted
  • Sitting in a carriage that doesn’t match the purchased ticket
  • Ignoring directions from railway staff
  • Being under the influence of alcohol
  • Bringing alcoholic beverages onto the train
  • Altering or fraudulently using tickets

Also read: 8 major changes coming to Dubai in July that could affect you

Fines of Dhs500

etihad rail seats

The next tier of penalties focuses on passenger behaviour and actions that could disrupt services.

A Dhs500 fine may be issued for:

  • Smoking in areas where it isn’t allowed
  • Behaving in a threatening, abusive, intimidating or disruptive manner
  • Delaying train operations
  • Attempting to board or leave a train while it is still moving
  • Possessing or dealing in controlled substances
  • Carrying out commercial filming or photography without permission

Fines of Dhs5,000

The largest penalties are reserved for actions that could jeopardise safety or damage railway property.

A Dhs5,000 fine may apply to anyone who:

  • Interferes with safety systems or equipment
  • Throws objects onto railway property
  • Enters restricted railway areas without authorisation
  • Damages trains, stations or railway facilities
  • Uses emergency equipment without a genuine emergency
  • Misuses emergency exits
  • Blocks or interferes with train doors

Before you board…

A little preparation can go a long way when travelling on Etihad Rail. Double-check that you’ve purchased the right ticket, keep an eye on station announcements and follow any directions given by staff during your journey.

While many of the regulations are similar to those found on metros and buses across the UAE, the railway also comes with its own set of rules designed to keep services running safely and on time. That means no jumping on or off moving trains, no interfering with emergency systems and no entering restricted areas.