Etihad Rail launches Abu Dhabi-Dubai passenger service ahead of schedule

New passenger rail service launches between Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Etihad Rail has officially launched regular passenger train services between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, marking a significant expansion of the UAE's national railway infrastructure and offering travellers a new transport option connecting the two emirates.

The service, operated by Etihad Rail Passenger Services — a joint venture between Etihad Rail and French transport operator Keolis — began operations today with 10 daily passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The launch comes in addition to the six daily services already running between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, which began on June 30 and have carried more than 150,000 passengers.

The passenger trains, part of a 13-unit fleet supplied by CAF and CRRC Qingdao Sifang, can reach speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour and accommodate up to 400 passengers per journey. The service operates from Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi to Dubai's Al Yalayis Station.

Mohammed Al Shehhi, Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail, confirmed that the project was completed ahead of schedule, reflecting the leadership's commitment to developing advanced infrastructure across the country.

"The project comprises 11 stations across the UAE, which have been connected to an integrated network of transport options, enabling passengers to continue their journeys easily after arriving at the stations and reach their final destinations," Al Shehhi said.

Part of Dh40bn national network

The passenger service operates on Etihad Rail's 1,200-kilometre national railway network, which was developed with an investment of Dh40 billion (approximately $11 billion). Established in June 2009 under Federal Law No. 2, Etihad Rail manages the development, construction and operation of the UAE's national freight and passenger railway network.

The network extends 900 kilometres from Ghuweifat on the Saudi Arabian border to Fujairah on the east coast, and is being extended by a further 238 kilometres to Oman under the Hafeet Rail project. The railway infrastructure includes 593 bridges and crossings, and passes through nine tunnels through the Hajar Mountains, including a 600-metre tunnel.

Freight operations on the network began in February 2023, with the railway capable of handling 50 million tonnes of freight annually. The network forms part of the $100 billion Gulf Cooperation Council rail programme, which aims to connect the UAE with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

Ticket prices and travel classes

Etihad Rail's passenger services offer two travel classes: Comfort Class and First Class. Fares start at AED29 for Comfort Class and AED89 for First Class. Tickets can be purchased through the Etihad Rail mobile application and website, as well as through ticket vending machines available at stations.

The onboard experience includes guaranteed seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, charging points and dedicated luggage spaces, allowing passengers to use their journey time for work, reading, staying connected or relaxing.

Seamless metro connectivity

Dubai's Al Yalayis Station is connected to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Red Line via a dedicated pedestrian bridge, allowing passengers to transfer from Etihad Rail to the Dubai Metro and continue to destinations across the emirate. Passengers can also continue their journeys using taxis, buses and designated pick-up and drop-off areas for private vehicles.

Integration between the rail and metro networks extends to ticketing options. Passengers can add a one-day Nol ticket when booking through the Etihad Rail application, with a unified QR code provided to facilitate transfers between Etihad Rail services and the Dubai Metro.

Network expansion and environmental impact

The Abu Dhabi-Fujairah service has recorded an average advance booking period of around 10 days, alongside growing levels of repeat use. Etihad Rail has used passenger feedback to enhance the travel experience as the network gradually expands.

Zayed City and Liwa are scheduled to join the network on November 30, followed by additional stations in the Al Dhafra Region on December 30, and Sharjah Station on March 30, 2027.

Etihad Rail is expected to transport 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030 across its network connecting 11 cities. The network has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions from the UAE's road transport sector by up to 21 per cent annually, equivalent to removing up to 8.2 million tonnes of CO2 by 2050.

Train schedules have been designed around passengers' travel patterns and needs, with services operating throughout the day, making rail travel a practical option for daily commuting and inter-city journeys. As each new destination joins the network, the benefits of passenger rail services will become accessible to more people across the UAE.