Dubai/Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s long-awaited passenger rail network is expected to begin operations on 30 June 2026, with the inaugural service connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, according to multiple local and international media reports published on Tuesday.
The reported launch date which stated that an introductory operational phase of passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah will commence on June 30, reducing travel time between the two emirates to approximately one hour and 45 minutes.
Several prominent publications,, have independently reported the same launch date and operational details, citing official information released during the inauguration of the Mohammed Bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station in Abu Dhabi.
According to these reports, the first phase will see three daily round trips between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, with fares reportedly starting at AED 55 for Comfort Class and AED 120 for Premium Class. Ticket bookings are said to have opened through the Etihad Rail website and mobile application from June 23.
The launch marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s ambition to build an integrated national railway network spanning approximately 900 kilometres and connecting all seven emirates. Future phases are expected to include the opening of stations in Dubai and Al Dhaid on September 30, 2026, followed by additional stations in the Al Dhafra region later in the year.
While the June 30 commencement date has been widely reported by numerous credible media organisations and supported by information released by the Abu Dhabi Media Office, Etihad Rail had not, at the time of writing, issued a separate standalone press release specifically announcing the date through its official channels. As such, the service is best described as “scheduled” or “expected” to begin on June 30, based on official information cited by multiple media outlets.
The commencement of passenger operations is expected to usher in a new era of inter-emirate connectivity, providing residents and visitors with a faster, more sustainable alternative to road travel and laying the foundation for a nationwide rail network that has been years in the making.
- THROUGH VARIOUS SOURCES
