Etihad Rail Makes History With First Passenger Train From Fujairah to Abu Dhabi
By Mohammed
The UAE has entered a new era of public transport as Etihad Rail completed its first passenger train journey from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi.
The historic service departed from Fujairah at **5:34am** on June 30, 2026, and arrived at Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed City station at around **7am**, ahead of schedule.
The journey marked the beginning of Etihad Rail’s introductory passenger operations and a major milestone in the country’s national rail network.
## What happened on the first Etihad Rail passenger journey?
The first passenger train travelled from **Fujairah’s Al Hilal City** to **Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi**.
Passengers were welcomed at Fujairah station with traditional Emirati performances, Arabic coffee and a celebratory atmosphere before boarding the first service.
The journey was scheduled to take around **1 hour and 45 minutes**, offering a new alternative to long road trips between the two emirates.
More than **10,000 tickets** were reportedly sold before the official launch, showing strong public interest in the UAE’s first passenger rail service.
## What passengers can expect onboard
Etihad Rail passenger trains are designed to offer a comfortable intercity travel experience.
The service includes modern seating, onboard facilities and connections planned around stations through shuttle buses, public transport, taxis and e-hailing services.
The aim is to make rail travel part of a wider door-to-door journey, not just a station-to-station ride.
## Which route is operating now?
The introductory phase currently connects **Abu Dhabi and Fujairah**.
This first route is important because it links the capital with the UAE’s east coast, reducing travel time and giving residents, tourists and commuters a new way to move across the country.
## When will more Etihad Rail stations open?
Etihad Rail’s passenger network is opening in phases.
Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station are scheduled to open on **September 30, 2026**.
Stations in Al Dhafra are expected to open on **December 30, 2026**.
Sharjah Train Station is scheduled to open on **March 30, 2027**.
Once complete, the wider passenger network is expected to connect major cities and communities across the UAE.
## Why this matters for UAE residents
Etihad Rail can change how people travel between emirates.
For residents, it offers a new transport option beyond private cars, buses and taxis.
For tourists, it creates easier access to different parts of the UAE, including Fujairah’s beaches, mountains and heritage areas.
For the country, it supports faster connectivity, lower road congestion and long-term sustainable mobility.
## What should travellers know?
Passengers can book journeys through the official Etihad Rail website or mobile app.
Travellers should check live schedules, station details, ticket availability and arrival instructions before booking.
As this is the introductory phase, passengers should rely on official Etihad Rail channels for updated timings, fares and route information.
## Why this matters
The first passenger train from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi is more than a transport launch.
It is a national milestone that brings the UAE closer to a connected rail future.
With more stations opening in stages, Etihad Rail is expected to become a major part of daily travel, tourism and inter-emirate mobility in the coming years.
## FAQs
### When did Etihad Rail’s first passenger train run?
Etihad Rail’s first passenger train journey ran on **June 30, 2026**, from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi.
### How long does the Fujairah to Abu Dhabi train take?
The journey is scheduled to take around **1 hour and 45 minutes**.
### Where did the first train arrive in Abu Dhabi?
The first passenger train arrived at **Mohamed bin Zayed City station** in Abu Dhabi.
### Can passengers book Etihad Rail tickets now?
Yes, bookings are available through the official Etihad Rail website and mobile app, subject to route and seat availability.
### When will Dubai be added to Etihad Rail passenger services?
Dubai Train Station is scheduled to open on **September 30, 2026**.
## Source Credits
Information source/resource owners: Etihad Rail, Abu Dhabi Media Office, The National, Gulf News, Khaleej Times, Gulf Business and CN Traveller Middle East.
## Image Credits
Image sources are combined from AI-generated visuals and other platforms. If any owner wants to be mentioned or any content needs to be changed, please email us at [concerns@whatmatter.ae](mailto:concerns@whatmatter.ae).