President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelled by train from Abu Dhabi to Dubai on 28 September to inaugurate Etihad Rail’s flagship passenger station, marking the official launch of the UAE’s national rail network. Regular services linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah will start on 30 September, with tickets priced from AED 39 (Comfort Class) and AED 109 (Premium). The station connects directly to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro via a pedestrian bridge and integrates with Dubai’s Nol payment system so travellers can move between train, metro, tram and bus on a single QR code. For corporate mobility programmes the 200 km/h service is a game-changer: a 50-minute rail ride will replace the frequently congested E11 highway trip between the federal capital and Dubai’s business districts, providing a reliable alternative during peak-hour gridlock or weather-related road closures. Employers planning inter-emirate shuttles should scrutinise the timetable—initially four return services daily—and book seats early for team movements around COP29 and major Q4 conferences. Etihad Rail Mobility, a joint venture with French operator Keolis, will run the service. Future extensions to Ras Al Khaimah and the Saudi border are in detailed design, promising wider connectivity for Gulf assignments by 2029.
Source: Dubai Media Office
