The UAE has officially taken a major step forward in its transportation sector as Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated the passenger train station in Mohammed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, marking a milestone in the country’s ambitious infrastructure expansion while announcing the launch of a nationwide passenger rail network set to begin operations on September 30, 2026.

Trial operations for passenger train services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah will begin on June 30, followed by a phased rollout that includes Dubai and Al Dhaid stations opening on September 30, Al Dhafra stations on December 30, and Sharjah station on March 30, 2027, reflecting a structured expansion strategy across the UAE.

Ticket pricing for the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route starts at AED 55 for standard comfort class and AED 120 for premium class, supported by a fleet of 13 modern trains each capable of carrying up to 400 passengers, ensuring efficiency and flexibility for different travel needs.

Passengers will be able to book tickets and access services through the Etihad Rail mobile application and official website starting June 23, 2026, offering a seamless digital experience designed to simplify travel planning and enhance user convenience.

The stations are designed to deliver a full-service travel experience featuring cafes, restaurants, retail outlets, and international brands along with onboard catering services, while future expansion studies are underway to extend the network across all emirates, reinforcing the country’s vision of a fully integrated and sustainable national transport system.