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Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated the Mohamed Bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station on Tuesday and witnessed the unveiling of the UAE’s passenger rail network set to launch on Sept. 30, according to a WAM report published by Gulf Today. The inaugural phase will connect Abu Dhabi and Fujairah from June 30, cutting journey time to one hour and 45 minutes.
Sheikh Khaled toured the station’s facilities and reviewed its information management systems along with operational readiness procedures during the event, WAM reported. He received briefings on the site’s advanced infrastructure, plans to boost capacity, peak-hour passenger management measures and smart customer service solutions aimed at ensuring efficiency. The Abu Dhabi Executive Council chairman affirmed that the passenger train project reflects the UAE’s vision for a fully integrated transport network, enhancing inter-emirate connectivity, supporting sustainable growth through the efficient movement of people and goods, and opening new horizons for investment, tourism and urban development.
Sheikh Khaled underscored that the initiative represents a strategic investment advancing the Projects of the 50 through world-class infrastructure while bolstering the UAE’s development and global competitiveness, the report added. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, highlighted that the passenger rail network marks a transformative milestone in the national transport ecosystem by using latest technologies to provide a modern, safe and highly efficient travel experience. He added that multiple stations integrated with other transport modes will improve connectivity between cities and destinations while offering convenient options that support community needs and urban growth across the country.
The WAM report detailed an introductory operational phase of services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah commencing on June 30, 2026. Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station will open with the official network launch on Sept. 30, followed by Al Dhafra stations on Dec. 30 and Sharjah station on March 30, 2027. Feasibility studies for further expansion to additional emirates are planned in the next phase, building on the programme announced in 2021.
Fares on the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route will start at Dh55 for Comfort Class and Dh120 for Premium Class, according to the announcement. The fleet comprises 13 trains with capacity for up to 400 passengers each, and bookings will open immediately through the Etihad Rail mobile application and official website. Passenger services will be operated by Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a joint venture with Keolis that combines international expertise with local capabilities.
The UAE Railway Programme, part of the Projects of the 50, carries an investment of AED50 billion and forms an integrated strategy linking all seven emirates, the official UAE government portal stated. Railway Technology data places the total Etihad Rail investment at Dh40 billion with the full 1,200-kilometre network connecting 11 cities and regions, projecting annual ridership to reach 36.5 million passengers by 2030. Freight operations have run since February 2023, providing a foundation for the passenger rollout less than five years after the 2021 vision announcement.
Stations will feature cafés, restaurants, retail outlets and international brands alongside onboard dining to create a comprehensive hospitality experience, the WAM report said. The programme rests on three pillars of freight, passenger rail and integrated solutions while aligning with the Net Zero 2050 Strategy through sustainable transport that reduces emissions and strengthens logistics efficiency, according to Etihad Rail statements. This phase of development follows three years of planning involving more than 7,000 specialists, as noted in project updates from Railway Pro.
