President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan traveled aboard an Etihad Rail train from Abu Dhabi to Dubai on Tuesday, ahead of the official launch of the UAE’s national passenger rail network. The journey provided an opportunity for the President to review the railway’s operations, national objectives, and passenger services designed to meet international standards.
Following the trip, Sheikh Mohamed joined Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Sheikh Theyab Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of Etihad Rail, at the inauguration ceremony of the new Etihad Rail station in Dubai. This event formally marked the launch of the national passenger rail system and ushered in a new phase of expansion aimed at connecting additional cities and regions in the UAE.
Service on the network is set to commence Wednesday, enabling passenger travel between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. Tickets are available through the Etihad Rail app, website, and ticket machines at stations, with fares starting at 39 dirhams for Comfort Class and 109 dirhams for Premium Class.
During a tour of the Dubai station, Sheikh Hamdan, accompanied by Sheikh Theyab, examined the station’s facilities, operational systems, and advanced technologies. These are designed to provide an integrated and seamless passenger experience, from arrival and ticketing to boarding and completing the journey. Sheikh Hamdan received a briefing from Shadi Malak, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail, who highlighted the station’s crucial role in strengthening connectivity within the national rail network.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the Dubai station establishes a new national gateway, enhancing links between Dubai, the capital Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. He noted that this development supports Dubai’s urban and economic growth and reinforces its standing as a global centre for business, tourism, and investment. The integration of Dubai into the national rail network is expected to improve transport infrastructure, accessibility, and help meet the city’s growth ambitions.
Sheikh Theyab described the launch of the passenger network as a major milestone for the UAE, highlighting its contribution to improving connectivity, economic competitiveness, and quality of life. He pointed to the rapid evolution of the project over less than five years into a comprehensive national network linking communities and business hubs. Sheikh Theyab also noted strong public interest in services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, indicating confidence in passenger rail’s role in addressing mobility needs and enhancing the efficiency of the UAE’s transport system.