Etihad Rail’s Dubai Station was inaugurated on Monday, marking the official launch of the UAE’s national passenger rail network and the beginning of a new phase of expansion connecting more cities and regions across the country.
The inauguration comes ahead of the commencement of services between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah tomorrow (September 30), said a WAM news agency report.UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; and His Highness 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 attended the inauguration.Prior to the inauguration, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelled aboard Etihad Rail from Abu Dhabi to Dubai ahead of the passenger network’s official launch.During the journey, the President reviewed Etihad Rail's operations, national objectives, and passenger services, which are designed to deliver a world-class travel experience.
Construction & Real Estate
Etihad Rail opens Dubai station ahead of start of train services
Upon arrival at the station in Dubai, His Highness met with a number of Emirati professionals working on the project.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that Etihad Rail's Dubai Station will serve as a new gateway linking Dubai with the UAE capital and the rest of the country, enhancing connectivity, supporting urban and economic growth, and reinforcing the emirate's position as a global hub for business, tourism and investment.
He added that integrating Dubai into the national rail network would strengthen its transport infrastructure, improve accessibility to and from the city, and support its future growth and development ambitions.
Sheikh Theyab said the launch of the national passenger rail network marks a major milestone in the implementation of the Projects of the 50, strengthening connectivity between the UAE's emirates while supporting economic competitiveness and quality of life.
He noted that the project has evolved in less than five years into an integrated national network linking communities and business hubs across the country, expanding access to opportunities and supporting economic and social development.
He added that strong demand for services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah reflects public confidence in passenger rail and its role in meeting mobility needs and enhancing the efficiency of the national transport system. He said each new extension of the network further strengthens integration between the emirates and creates new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Beginning on 30th September 2026, Etihad Rail will offer passenger services between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah.
Tickets are now available through the Etihad Rail mobile application, website and ticket vending machines at stations, with fares starting from AED39 for Comfort Class and AED109 for Premium Class.
Etihad Rail’s Dubai Station is connected to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station via a dedicated pedestrian bridge, providing a direct transfer between Etihad Rail services and the Dubai Metro.
Integration with Dubai’s Nol system also enables passengers to book Etihad Rail journeys and public transport services through a single QR code, which can be used across train, Metro, Tram and bus services.
Passenger services are operated by Etihad Rail Mobility, the joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis, one of the world’s leading passenger transport operators.