Overview
- Etihad Rail began regular passenger operations on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, with the inaugural train leaving Fujairah at 5:34am and completing the roughly 105‑minute trip to Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi.
- The network has entered an introductory operational phase with up to six daily services between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi and a confirmed passenger fleet of 13 trains, each seating about 400 and capable of 200 km/h.
- Public demand was strong before launch, with more than 10,000 tickets sold and many services selling out after Etihad Rail offered a limited 50% introductory fare (Comfort Dh55, Premium Dh120).
- Operators have built onward links into the rollout, partnering with Abu Dhabi Mobility for shuttle buses and bus‑metro integration to solve last‑mile access from stations that sit outside some city centres.
- Etihad Rail frames the rollout as a step toward greater connectivity, tourism and lower road reliance, with a phased station schedule through March 30, 2027, that will add Dubai, Sharjah and Al Dhafra stops.