The UAE’s national railway developer, Etihad Rail, has announced that the introductory operational phase of its long-awaited passenger rail service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah will begin on 30 June, reducing travel time between the two emirates to just one hour and 45 minutes.

Passengers will be able to book tickets from 23 June through the Etihad Rail website and mobile application. Fares on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route will start from AED55 for Comfort Class and AED120 for Premium Class.

The passenger rail fleet comprises 13 trains, each capable of carrying up to 400 passengers.

The network’s expansion will continue in phases, with Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station scheduled to open on 30 September. Stations in Al Dhafra will follow on 30 December, while the route will be fully completed with the opening of Sharjah Train Station on 30 March 2027.

The announcement came as the Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

During a tour of the station, Sheikh Khaled reviewed its facilities, operational readiness and infrastructure.

He said the passenger rail project reflects the UAE’s ambition to create a fully integrated transport network, improving connectivity between emirates while supporting economic growth, tourism and urban development.

Etihad Rail said studies would also be carried out to assess the feasibility of extending passenger rail services to additional emirates in the future.

The launch marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s transport infrastructure strategy, with the network designed to connect major population centres, economic hubs and tourist destinations across the country.