Sneak peek: Etihad Rail’s first completed passenger rail station is here

Etihad Rail’s network currently supports freight operations across 11 terminals and four major ports. Passenger services are set to launch from 2026. The service will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, with a network of stations designed to link key urban and economic centres, providing a seamless and efficient travel experience for commuters, business travellers, and families.

Established in 2009, Etihad Rail is the developer and operator of the UAE’s National Rail Network. Spanning approximately 900km, the network connects key cities, ports, and industrial hubs from Ghuwaifat to Fujairah on the eastern coast.

Safety campaign

Earlier this month, Etihad Rail launched a nationwide rail safety campaign, marking a significant step in preparation for the introduction of passenger services across the country.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of safe behaviour around railway infrastructure, and will be delivered through a multi-channel approach, including broadcast, digital, and community engagement initiatives, reaching audiences across all emirates.

Etihad Rail's first passenger routes

The UAE’s initial passenger rail routes will connect Abu Dhabi with Dubai and extend to Fujairah, according to an announcement by Etihad Rail on their Instagram handle on February 2.

The initial routes will connect: Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed bin Zayed City with Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf Estates station and extend eastwards to Fujairah’s Al Hilal City station.

While Etihad Rail passenger services have yet to begin and are expected to launch later this year, media outlets were given an exclusive sneak peek inside the UAE’s first completed passenger rail station — including a first look at its facilities and the long-awaited passenger train itself.

Set to revolutionise the way people travel across the UAE, the 900-kilometre rail network will stretch from Al Sila in Abu Dhabi’s western region to Fujairah on the east coast. Once operational, passenger services will connect 11 cities and regions across all seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Al Dhaid and Ras Al Khaimah.

Another glimpse into the future of UAE travel — media outlets also got a first look at the ticket machines that passengers will use at Etihad Rail stations once services launch.

While the machines were unveiled during the preview, key details including ticket fares, booking methods and where passengers will be able to buy or collect tickets are still under wraps for now, with more announcements expected closer to launch.

Etihad Rail’s freight network spans 11 terminals and four major ports, with passenger services from 2026 set to connect 11 UAE cities through a seamless rail system linking key urban hubs. Media were given exclusive access to the UAE’s first completed passenger station in Fujairah ahead of launch, with the Gulf News team touring the facility and taking a short ride on the passenger train for an early look at future rail travel. Follow the live updates here.

Another glimpse into the future of UAE travel — media outlets also got a first look at the ticket machines that passengers will use at Etihad Rail stations once services launch.

While the machines were unveiled during the preview, key details including ticket fares, booking methods and where passengers will be able to buy or collect tickets are still under wraps for now, with more announcements expected closer to launch.

A station signboard has been installed at Etihad Rail’s Fujairah hub, marking another step towards the upcoming launch of passenger services. The signage offers the first visible identity of the station as preparations continue ahead of operations.

A first look inside Etihad Rail trains reveals a passenger experience designed around comfort, safety and convenience, with a range of modern onboard features set to define rail travel in the UAE.

Seats come equipped with tray tables, enhanced neck support and generous legroom, while panoramic windows are designed to maximise natural light and open-up wide views of the journey. Select centre-of-coach layouts also feature face-to-face seating, offering a social travel option for groups and families.

The cabins include automatic sliding doors with sensor-based operation, alongside clearly marked seat numbers for ease of navigation. Safety remains a priority, with onboard safety mallets installed at designated points and strict no-smoking rules enforced throughout the train.

Additional passenger-focused features include onboard Wi-Fi, sunshades for window seats, wall-mounted hooks for convenience, and dustbins placed across coaches to maintain cleanliness during travel.

Inside Etihad Rail, passengers can expect a comfort-focused travel experience designed for convenience, space and modern mobility.

Seats feature tray tables, enhanced neck support and generous legroom, while panoramic windows maximise natural light and open up wide views of the journey. Select centre-coach layouts also include face-to-face seating, creating a social travel option for families and groups. A large luggage storage rack is also provided for added convenience.

Seating features

• Tray tables provided at each seat

• Spacious legroom across all seating rows

• Neck support built into seats

• Panoramic windows for natural light and wide views

• Face-to-face seating available in centre coach areas

• Large luggage storage racks onboard

Accessibility and priority comfort

• Dedicated priority seating for pregnant women

• Designed for inclusive and comfortable travel for all passengers

Boarding and movement within the train are designed to be smooth and efficient. Automatic sliding doors with sensor operation Clearly marked seat numbers for easy navigation

• Automatic sliding doors with sensor operation

• Clearly marked seat numbers for easy navigation

The train has departed from Etihad Rail’s Fujairah Passenger Station and is now heading towards Al Bithnah Bridge on a 20-minute journey through the emirate.

As the train moves onto an elevated section of the track, passengers are treated to scenic views of Fujairah’s landscape and the UAE’s mountain range.

Today’s journey is part of a special media preview ahead of the launch of Etihad Rail’s passenger services.

Passengers will benefit from a range of practical onboard features designed to ensure a connected and comfortable journey.

• Free onboard WiFi throughout the train

• Under-seat USB charging ports and power sockets for device charging

• Window sunshades installed across seating sections

• Wall-mounted hooks for bags and personal belongings

• Large luggage storage racks for passenger convenience

• Dustbins placed across coaches to maintain cleanliness

• Integrated safety features throughout the train

Look: Etihad Rail passenger train travels through Fujairah tunnel, offering an early glimpse of the route’s engineering and journey experience ahead of launch.

Picturesque views of the UAE’s rural landscapes and farms can be seen from onboard Etihad Rail’s passenger train

The journey through Fujairah offers passengers a different side of the UAE, with mountain scenery, open landscapes and farmland visible along the route.

Etihad Rail passenger train departing from Fujairah Station has reached Al Bithnah Bridge, completing a scenic segment of the live journey through the emirate. The route unfolded across a mix of rugged terrain and open landscapes, offering passengers sweeping views of Fujairah’s natural surroundings as the train approached one of its most recognisable landmark.

As anticipation builds ahead of the launch of Etihad Rail passenger services, today’s preview provides the clearest look yet at what future travel across the UAE will look like. With the network set to connect major cities and communities across the country, more details are expected to be announced this year as the project moves closer to full operation.