The inaugural scheduled service departed Fujairah at 5:34am, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 7:19am, marking the beginning of a new era of integrated public transport in the UAE. More than 10,000 tickets were sold ahead of launch day.
The UAE’s first national passenger rail service entered operation yesterday, 30 June 2026, as Etihad Rail welcomed its first paying passengers onboard the inaugural scheduled service from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi, marking a historic milestone in the country’s transport journey.
Departing Fujairah Station at 5:34am and arriving at Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi at 7:19am, the inaugural service marked the beginning of scheduled passenger rail services in the UAE.
Customer demand has been strong since bookings opened, with more than 10,000 tickets sold ahead of the start of operations. A total of six passenger services will operate today as Etihad Rail begins the introductory operational phase of its national passenger network, offering customers a safe, reliable, and comfortable new way to travel between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi.
A MODERN ONBOARD EXPERIENCE
Passengers travelling on Etihad Rail today benefited from a modern travel experience designed for comfort and convenience, including:
- Guaranteed seating
- Onboard Wi-Fi
- Power outlets at every seat
- Generous luggage allowances
- Premium Class services for added comfort
INTEGRATED WITH ABU DHABI’S WIDER TRANSPORT NETWORK
To deliver a seamless end-to-end customer journey, Etihad Rail has confirmed it is working closely with the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) to integrate passenger rail with Abu Dhabi’s wider public transport network, enabling customers to connect easily with buses, taxis, and other mobility services as part of a fully integrated mobility ecosystem.
“Every great piece of national infrastructure has two beginnings: the day it is built, and the day people begin making it their own. Today, with the support and guidance of our wise leadership, we embark on that second beginning,” said Azza Alsuwaidi, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Rail.
A CONNECTED JOURNEY FROM DOOR TO DESTINATION
“The journey doesn’t end when passengers step off the train. It continues all the way to their final destination,” said Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre.
Customers can continue to book tickets through the Etihad Rail website and mobile application.
Source: Press Release
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