UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelled from Abu Dhabi to Dubai aboard Etihad Rail on Monday, ahead of the launch of the UAE’s national passenger rail service.

The journey came as Etihad Rail prepared to inaugurate its Dubai Station, marking another step towards the start of regular passenger operations across the national railway network.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, 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, inaugurated the Dubai station.

Passenger services connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah are scheduled to begin on September 30.

When the Dubai service launches, Etihad Rail will operate 10 daily journeys between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, offering passengers multiple travel options throughout the day.

Passengers will also be able to travel directly between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah, with Dubai’s Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates becoming part of the network. Six daily services will operate between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

The journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will take around one hour and four minutes, while the direct Dubai-Fujairah trip will take approximately one hour and 10 minutes.

“We have designed the timetable around the reality of how people travel, with services throughout the day, making rail a practical option for everyday journeys,” said Ameera Alkhlaifi, Director of Strategy & Growth at Etihad Rail.

The expansion follows the introductory Abu Dhabi-Fujairah passenger services, which have carried more than 150,000 passengers. Etihad Rail said repeat journeys have been increasing, with customers typically booking around 10 days ahead.

The operator said feedback and passenger behaviour during the introductory phase are being used to shape the experience as more destinations are added to the network.

“Every new destination added to the network brings the benefits of passenger rail within reach of more people and communities across the UAE,” said Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial at Etihad Rail Mobility.

More Etihad Rail stations to open

The September 30 launch forms part of a phased expansion of the UAE’s passenger rail network.

Madinat Zayed and Liwa are scheduled to join the network on November 30, followed by additional stations in Al Dhafra on December 30.

In Sharjah, University City station is scheduled to open on March 30, 2027.

Etihad Rail’s longer-term plans also extend beyond the UAE through Hafeet Rail, the planned railway connection between the UAE and Oman. The project is expected to create new cross-border links for both passengers and freight, supporting wider regional connectivity.