Dubai’s new Etihad Rail station has officially opened, marking a major step towards the launch of passenger train services connecting the emirate with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail, inaugurated the station in the presence of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The opening comes ahead of the start of passenger services on September 30, when trains will begin connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah as part of the UAE’s national railway network.

Before the official inauguration, Sheikh Mohamed travelled by Etihad Rail from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. During the journey, he was briefed on the train’s operating systems, national objectives and passenger services. After arriving in Dubai, the UAE President met members of the national team working on the project and posed for commemorative photographs with them.

During a tour of the Dubai station, Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Theyab were briefed on its facilities and operations, including ticket booking, passenger procedures, boarding and the overall journey experience.

Sheikh Hamdan also shared a photograph of his Etihad Rail ticket. Dated September 28, the ticket showed a 2.11pm departure from Dubai and arrival in Abu Dhabi at 3.13pm — a journey time of one hour and two minutes. The ticket was for the Comfort Saver category, priced at Dh39.

Sheikh Hamdan said the Dubai station would serve as a new national gateway, strengthening connections between the emirate, the capital and other cities across the UAE.

“Connecting Dubai to the national Etihad Rail network enhances its presence at the heart of the country’s movement, supports its pivotal role in the national economy, and consolidates its position as a global centre for business, tourism and investment,” he said.

Sheikh Theyab said the strong demand for passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah since their launch reflected public confidence in rail travel as a new mode of transportation.

Tickets from Dh39

From September 30, passengers will be able to travel between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah on Etihad Rail passenger services.

Tickets are available through the Etihad Rail app, website and ticket machines at stations. Fares start at Dh39 for Comfort Class and Dh109 for Premium Class.

The Dubai station is also linked to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station through a dedicated pedestrian bridge, allowing passengers to transfer directly between Etihad Rail and the Dubai Metro.

Integration with Dubai’s Nol passenger system will further connect rail and public transport services. Passengers can use a unified QR code for journeys involving Etihad Rail, the Metro, tram and bus services.

The passenger service is operated by Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis, a global passenger transport operator.

The launch marks the next phase of the UAE’s national railway network, bringing intercity passenger rail travel to Dubai and creating a new public transport link between some of the country’s major cities.