Etihad Rail has announced a major step toward launching passenger rail services across the United Arab Emirates. The company will begin its first passenger train trial on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, marking an important milestone for the country’s national railway project.
The first trial train will leave Fujairah station at 5:34 a.m. and travel to Mohammed Bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi. The journey is expected to take about one hour and 45 minutes.
The new passenger trains are designed to travel at speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour. Each train will be able to carry up to 400 passengers when the full network becomes operational.
The trial is part of the company’s preparations before opening passenger services to the public. Engineers and railway teams will use the test to check train performance, safety systems, station operations, and overall service quality.
Etihad Rail said passenger services will be introduced in several phases. This gradual rollout will allow the company to complete testing and ensure a smooth travel experience before expanding to more cities.
The next phase is scheduled to begin on September 30, 2026. Passenger services will then expand to Dubai and Al Dhaid, giving more travelers access to the growing rail network.
A third phase is planned for December 30, 2026. During this stage, trains will begin serving Al Dhafra stations, adding more destinations across the country.
The final announced phase will start on March 30, 2027, when passenger services are expected to reach Sharjah. This expansion will connect more communities and improve travel between the UAE’s major cities.
Etihad Rail said its stations have been designed to provide a simple and comfortable experience for passengers. Clear signs will help travelers find platforms, exits, and other station facilities with ease.
Dedicated support teams will also be available to assist passengers during their journeys. The company said customer service staff will help answer questions and guide travelers when needed.
The stations also include accessible facilities for people with disabilities. These features are intended to make train travel easier and more convenient for all passengers.
Parking spaces are available at stations to support people who choose to drive before continuing their journey by train. This feature is expected to improve access to the railway network and encourage more people to use public transportation.
The launch of passenger rail services is an important part of the UAE’s long-term transportation strategy. The railway aims to provide a faster, safer, and more sustainable way to travel between different emirates while reducing road traffic.
The passenger network builds on the success of Etihad Rail’s freight operations, which already transport goods across different parts of the country. Expanding into passenger services is expected to strengthen national transport links and support economic growth.
High-speed rail travel will also offer residents and visitors another option for moving between major cities. Faster connections may help reduce travel times while improving convenience for daily commuters, business travelers, and tourists.
Transport experts believe modern railway systems can reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and improve regional connectivity. As the UAE continues to invest in transport infrastructure, passenger rail is expected to play a larger role in the country’s future mobility plans.
The successful completion of the first passenger train trial will be an important step before regular services begin. With phased expansion planned through 2027, the Etihad Rail Passenger Train network is set to become a key part of the UAE’s public transportation system.
