The Etihad Rail updates everyone’s talking about

All the key details revealed so far…

If there’s one megaproject everyone in the UAE is looking forward to, it’s the launch of Etihad Rail’s passenger train service. Progress is moving full steam ahead, with a series of major announcements offering a clearer picture of what travel across the UAE could soon look like.

Here are all the latest Etihad Rail updates you need to know

Image: What’s On Archive

Etihad Rail now has an official launch date. During the inauguration of the new Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, confirmed that Etihad Rail’s passenger services will officially launch on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

However, before the full network launches, an introductory operational phase will begin on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, with passenger trains running between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah – a journey that will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, offering a much quicker alternative to travelling by road.

Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station will officially launch on Tuesday, September 30, 2026.

Etihad Rail ticket prices revealed

On June 23, Etihad Rail announced that booking is now open for the train’s introductory route between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. It is running a limited-time launch offer giving passengers 50% off fares.

For the launch period, passengers can book the following:

• Comfort Class: from Dhs55 (usually Dhs109)
• Premium Class: from Dhs120 (usually Dhs239)

The discounted fares are currently available for journeys between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, making it an affordable way to experience the UAE’s first inter-emirate passenger rail service.

*Where Etihad Rail stations are expected to be located across the UAE*

Etihad Rail launches nationwide safety campaign

In May, Etihad Rail launched a nationwide safety campaign designed to educate the public on staying safe around railway infrastructure, with awareness efforts rolling out across TV, digital platforms and community initiatives in all seven emirates.

It will play a critical role to ensure communities, road users, and passengers know how to interact safely with the rail.

At the core of the campaign is a simple idea: safety is care. By linking safety to a value widely understood in the UAE, it highlights shared responsibility between individuals, communities, and the wider transport system. Through clear, human messaging, the campaign aims to raise awareness, encourage safe behaviour and help make it second nature over time.