UAE national rail operator Etihad Rail has inaugurated the Mohamed bin Zayed City passenger station in Abu Dhabi and announced that the country’s first passenger train services will enter operation on 30 June 2026. 
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, officially opened the Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Station and attended the unveiling of the future UAE passenger rail network, a project that marks the country’s entry into the era of intercity passenger rail transport.
Authorities confirmed that the introductory phase of passenger operations will begin on 30 June 2026 with services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. Journey times will be reduced to just 1 hour and 45 minutes, providing a fast alternative to road transport.
During the visit, the Crown Prince reviewed the station’s facilities, operational management systems and passenger flow arrangements. Plans to expand capacity and deploy smart solutions aimed at enhancing the passenger experience were also presented.
“The passenger train project reflects the UAE’s vision for a fully integrated transport network that strengthens connectivity between the emirates, supports sustainable growth through the efficient movement of people and goods, and opens new opportunities for investment, tourism and urban development,” said Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
National network to expand progressively
According to the announced timetable, stations in Dubai and Al Dhaid will open with the official launch of the network on 30 September 2026. These will be followed by the opening of Al Dhafra stations on 30 December 2026, while the project will be completed with the inauguration of Sharjah station on 30 March 2027.
Etihad Rail Chairman Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan described the new network as a transformative milestone for the country’s transport system.
“The passenger rail network marks a defining moment in the development of the UAE’s national transport ecosystem, harnessing the latest technologies and innovations to deliver a modern, safe and highly efficient mobility system,” he said.
He added that the integration of railway stations with other transport modes would improve connectivity between cities and key economic and tourism destinations across the country.
The passenger rolling stock fleet consists of 13 trains manufactured by CAF, operating at speeds of up to 200 km/h.
Tickets have been available since 23 June 2026 through the Etihad Rail mobile application and official website.
Services will be operated by Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis, one of the world’s leading public transport operators.
The new passenger rail network forms part of the UAE Railway Programme, which combines freight operations, passenger rail services and integrated mobility solutions. A
Share on:
