Etihad Rail has officially launched its passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with 10 daily trips and ticket prices starting at AED 39. The journey takes approximately 60 minutes, offering residents and visitors a new way to travel between the two emirates.<\/p>\n
The first official train departed from Mohammed bin Zayed Station in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, heading to Al Yalayis Station in Dubai. Passengers were welcomed by announcements in Arabic and English, asking them to prepare their tickets and proceed to Platform 2.<\/p>\n
A large digital display showed the departure countdown and destination alongside the slogan, “Building a future that strengthens connections between the Emirates.”<\/p>\n
The opening of Al Yalayis Station also marks the start of services from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, bringing another destination into the UAE’s growing passenger rail network.<\/p>\n
Etihad Rail will operate 10 trips a day between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, in addition to six daily services connecting Dubai and Fujairah.<\/p>\n
Ticket prices between Abu Dhabi and Dubai start at AED 39 for Comfortable Class, while Premium Class tickets cost AED 109 and include additional passenger benefits.<\/p>\n
The journey takes around 60 minutes, with trains reaching a maximum speed of 200 kilometers per hour.<\/p>\n
The service gives passengers another option for traveling between the two cities, whether for work, family visits, or leisure. Scheduled departures and reserved seating also make it easier to plan trips in advance.<\/p>\n
Passengers arriving at Al Yalayis Station can reach Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station through a dedicated pedestrian bridge. The connection provides direct access to Dubai Metro and its Red Line.<\/p>\n
Amira Al Khalifi, Director of Strategy and Growth at Etihad Rail, explained that the station serves as a vital link between the national railway network and Dubai’s transportation system, giving passengers greater flexibility when continuing their journeys.<\/p>\n
Other transportation options include buses, taxis, and private ride services, with designated areas for dropping off and picking up passengers.<\/p>\n
Al Khalifi also noted that the project was completed ahead of the announced schedule. What began as a plan for a national passenger railway has developed into a connected network linking residential communities and business centers across the UAE.<\/p>\n
Etihad Rail has introduced special fares for children and older passengers, making it easier for families to arrange journeys across the country.<\/p>\n
Amira Al Khalifi said: “Etihad Rail offers special fares for certain categories of passengers, helping families, children, and seniors plan their journeys across the UAE more easily. Infants under the age of two travel free of charge when seated on the lap of an accompanying adult, while children aged two to 17 receive a special fare equivalent to 50% of the adult ticket price. Passengers aged 60 and above benefit from a 20% discount on the adult ticket price.”<\/p>\n
The discounts are part of the company’s efforts to make passenger rail services accessible to different age groups, particularly families traveling together.<\/p>\n
Passengers can book their journeys through the official Etihad Rail app, the company’s website, or self-service ticket machines available at railway stations.<\/p>\n
Mansoor Al Mulla, Director of Network Performance at Etihad Rail, explained that the app offers different fare options and allows travelers to choose their seats before departure.<\/p>\n
The availability of several booking channels gives passengers the flexibility to purchase tickets and arrange their journeys according to their preferred schedules.<\/p>\n
Travelers booking through the Etihad Rail app can add a one-day Nol ticket to their reservation, allowing them to use Dubai’s public transportation services as part of their journey.<\/p>\n
The system combines the train ticket with access to Dubai Metro, trams, and buses through a single QR code. Passengers who have already purchased their train tickets can also add the Nol option to their existing bookings.<\/p>\n
The arrangement is intended to make transfers between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s public transportation network more convenient, helping passengers continue their journeys after leaving the train.<\/p>\n
Etihad Rail trains feature comfortable seats, wireless internet access, charging outlets for electronic devices, and dedicated luggage storage areas.<\/p>\n
Premium Class passengers receive additional services and amenities designed to provide a more comfortable travel experience.<\/p>\n
Mansoor Al Mulla said: “Etihad Rail Station is connected to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station through a dedicated pedestrian bridge, providing direct access. The metro station is also connected to the Red Line, making it easier for passengers to continue their journeys and reach different destinations across the city. Other available transportation options include buses, taxis, and private ride services, with designated areas for dropping off and picking up passengers in private vehicles, as well as the ability to use the Nol card and the Etihad Rail app.”<\/p>\n
These facilities are part of the company’s approach to providing a complete passenger experience, from arriving at the station to reaching the final destination.<\/p>\n
Emirati cuisine is also part of the onboard experience, with a food menu that brings traditional local flavors into a modern rail setting.<\/p>\n
Emirati chef Maitha Warsho explained that the menu follows the concept of “A Journey Through the Emirates,” featuring dishes inspired by the culinary heritage of each emirate.<\/p>\n
The menu draws on familiar ingredients such as dates, saffron, cardamom, locally produced honey, and Arabic coffee. These ingredients, along with other traditional flavors, reflect the UAE’s food culture and add a local touch to the passenger experience.<\/p>\n
Captain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, the first Emirati passenger train driver, expressed his pride in being part of Etihad Rail’s passenger operations.<\/p>\n
Al Hammadi said passenger safety and punctuality are his main priorities, emphasizing the importance of precision and discipline in operating trains.<\/p>\n
He also spoke about the satisfaction he feels when seeing passengers travel easily between different parts of the UAE.<\/p>\n
For Al Hammadi, each journey is an opportunity to contribute to improving people’s daily lives. Taking part in the national passenger rail project is a particular source of pride for him as an Emirati.<\/p>\n
More than 150,000 passengers have used Etihad Rail’s preliminary passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, with the company reporting an increase in repeat journeys.<\/p>\n
The average advance booking period has reached approximately 10 days, providing the company with valuable information about passenger demand and travel patterns.<\/p>\n
Etihad Rail continues to use passenger feedback gathered during preliminary operations to improve its services as the network expands.<\/p>\n
Amira Al Khalifi said the growing demand reflects increasing public confidence in rail travel and its role in meeting passengers’ transportation needs.<\/p>\n
Azra Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Commercial Sector at Etihad Rail Passenger Services, highlighted the progress made in developing the national passenger network.<\/p>\n
Al Mansoori said: “Less than five years ago, the passenger rail network in the UAE was an ambition we were working to achieve. Today, it has become a national reality connecting different parts of the country, and it is now more than just a means of traveling between destinations. Every detail of the journeys has been designed around passengers’ needs, combining comfort, hospitality, and the spirit that distinguishes the United Arab Emirates.”<\/p>\n
She added: “With every new destination that joins the network, the benefits of passenger rail extend to more people across the UAE. This achievement embodies the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership, which has helped turn the national ambition of strengthening connections between different parts of the country into a tangible reality.”<\/p>\n
Etihad Rail is continuing to expand its passenger network, with additional stations planned for Madinat Zayed, Liwa, and Sharjah, alongside further development in the Al Dhafra region.<\/p>\n
The expansion will extend passenger rail services to more areas of the country and strengthen connections between residential communities and major economic centers.<\/p>\n
Beyond the UAE, the Hafeet Rail project offers opportunities to improve railway connections with the Sultanate of Oman. The project aims to support cross-border passenger and freight transportation while strengthening economic and logistical links between the two countries.<\/p>\n
The planned additions form part of the continuing development of a connected railway network serving more destinations across the UAE and the wider region.<\/p>\n
Etihad Rail provides a modern transportation option for people traveling between cities, whether for daily commutes, business, family visits, or leisure.<\/p>\n
The company has confirmed that Etihad Rail and Dubai Metro operate as separate transportation systems. Etihad Rail connects destinations across the UAE, while Dubai Metro serves passengers traveling within Dubai.<\/p>\n
Each system has its own ticketing arrangements and conditions of use. Etihad Rail also applies specific rules regarding luggage, food, beverages, and items permitted onboard, while offering passengers the option to reserve their seats.<\/p>\n
With 10 daily services between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, a journey time of approximately 60 minutes, and fares starting at AED 39, the new route adds another important connection to the UAE’s national transportation network.<\/p>\n
The opening of Al Yalayis Station, its direct link to Dubai Metro, and the planned expansion of the railway network mark further progress in connecting the emirates and making rail travel available to more people across the country.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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