The UAE’s long-awaited national rail network has taken a major step toward commercial passenger operations, with Etihad Rail activating its online booking platform and offering a 50 per cent launch discount on fares.
From 30 June 2026, trains will run between Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed Bin Zayed City station and Fujairah, cutting the cross-Emirate journey to around 100 minutes and providing a new alternative to road or air travel.
Tickets are now on sale at introductory prices of AED 55 for Comfort Class and AED 120 for Premium Class, down from standard fares of AED 109 and AED 239 respectively.
Three departures in each direction are scheduled daily during the pilot phase.
Services will expand in September to include Dubai and Al Dhaid, with full network completion targeted for March 2027 when Sharjah joins the system.
Each of the 13 passenger trains can carry up to 400 passengers and will feature guaranteed seating, onboard Wi-Fi and baggage allowances comparable to regional aviation carriers.
![Etihad Rail opens passenger ticket sales, first Abu Dhabi–Fujairah service starts 30 June]()
Whether you’re a UAE resident planning meetings across the emirates or an international visitor keen to sample the new rail experience, securing the right entry documentation is still step one. VisaHQ’s online visa processing service (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) streamlines UAE tourist and business visa applications, offers live status tracking, and provides expert support so travelers can focus on booking their train seats instead of standing in consulate queues.
For corporate mobility programmes, the rail link offers a predictable, cost-effective option for staff travelling between the capital and the east-coast business and industrial hubs.
It also supports sustainability objectives by reducing inter-Emirate road traffic and associated emissions.
Multinational companies with offices in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah can expect more reliable travel times and reduced duty-of-care risks versus long highway drives.
Etihad Rail is also providing shuttle bus connections from the Abu Dhabi station to key CBD locations such as ADNOC Headquarters and ADNEC, improving door-to-door connectivity.
Organisations should update their travel booking tools to include the rail option and brief travellers on the different ticket tiers—Saver, Value and Flex—that govern change and refund rules.
From 30 June 2026, trains will run between Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed Bin Zayed City station and Fujairah, cutting the cross-Emirate journey to around 100 minutes and providing a new alternative to road or air travel.
Tickets are now on sale at introductory prices of AED 55 for Comfort Class and AED 120 for Premium Class, down from standard fares of AED 109 and AED 239 respectively.
Three departures in each direction are scheduled daily during the pilot phase.
Services will expand in September to include Dubai and Al Dhaid, with full network completion targeted for March 2027 when Sharjah joins the system.
Each of the 13 passenger trains can carry up to 400 passengers and will feature guaranteed seating, onboard Wi-Fi and baggage allowances comparable to regional aviation carriers.
Whether you’re a UAE resident planning meetings across the emirates or an international visitor keen to sample the new rail experience, securing the right entry documentation is still step one. VisaHQ’s online visa processing service (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) streamlines UAE tourist and business visa applications, offers live status tracking, and provides expert support so travelers can focus on booking their train seats instead of standing in consulate queues.
For corporate mobility programmes, the rail link offers a predictable, cost-effective option for staff travelling between the capital and the east-coast business and industrial hubs.
It also supports sustainability objectives by reducing inter-Emirate road traffic and associated emissions.
Multinational companies with offices in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah can expect more reliable travel times and reduced duty-of-care risks versus long highway drives.
Etihad Rail is also providing shuttle bus connections from the Abu Dhabi station to key CBD locations such as ADNOC Headquarters and ADNEC, improving door-to-door connectivity.
Organisations should update their travel booking tools to include the rail option and brief travellers on the different ticket tiers—Saver, Value and Flex—that govern change and refund rules.
