Yes, you can bring your pet on the UAE’s new Etihad Rail passenger trains

Planning a trip on the UAE’s new passenger service? The good news is that your furry child can come too.

Etihad Rail has confirmed that passengers are allowed to travel with domestic pets on board, as long as they follow the company’s travel rules.

The UAE’s first passenger rail service launched on June 30, connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in just one hour and 45 minutes. Trains can travel at speeds of up to 200km/h, with more routes expected to open across the country in the future.

Also read: Your guide to the Etihad Rail passenger stations in the UAE

What are the pet rules?

If you’re bringing a pet, it must stay inside an approved carrier for the entire journey.

The carrier cannot be larger than 55cm x 40cm x 23cm, and it counts as your cabin baggage. That means you can’t bring both a pet carrier and another carry-on bag.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Only one pet carrier is allowed per passenger.
  • Pets must stay inside the carrier at all times.
  • Owners are responsible for keeping their pets under control throughout the journey.
  • Domestic pets, including dogs and falcons, are permitted.

Passengers travelling with certified assistance dogs can also bring them on board, but this must be arranged with Etihad Rail before travelling.

Also read: Etihad Rail: a guide to the fines every passenger should know about

What can’t you bring on board?

For safety reasons, some items are not allowed on Etihad Rail passenger services, including:

  • Weapons
  • Explosives
  • Flammable or hazardous materials
  • Illegal drugs or narcotics
  • Alcohol
  • Smoking devices and e-cigarettes

If you’re travelling soon, it’s worth checking the baggage rules before heading to the station to make sure your journey goes smoothly.