With the launch of passenger services on Etihad Rail on June 30, 2026, the format of short trips across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has changed. The initial route connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah quickly became popular among local residents, offering a scenic and tranquil alternative to a long journey across the country.
The route runs three times a day in each direction and takes about one hour and forty-five minutes. It transports passengers from the urban area of Abu Dhabi through golden sand dunes and the dramatic Hajar Mountains in Fujairah.
Since the start of operations, tickets, especially for weekends, have been in high demand, and UAE residents highly appreciate the convenience and comfort of the trains. Khaleej Times surveyed three families who took this trip to find out how Etihad Rail is transforming their travels.
How the New Railway Service is Changing Residents' Lives
For working mother Raya Al Baroudi, who lives in Abu Dhabi but is originally from Kalba, the new rail service solved an old problem: how to get home without exhausting herself and her children. She noted that the main reason for choosing it was the desire to find a safe and comfortable way to travel, avoiding the difficulties of a two-and-a-half-hour journey with children, especially after work.
Al Baroudi made a trip from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, an emirate closest to her hometown, and said the experience exceeded expectations. She described the journey as incredibly wonderful and beautiful, noting the warm service and hospitality. For the children, it was much easier than long car rides because they had more space for comfort and entertainment during the trip.
The children were fascinated by the landscapes along the route. Raya Al Baroudi added that their reaction was full of enthusiasm and joy; they enjoyed the views of different regions of the country, observed camels, antelopes, deer, and livestock, and learned about trees, plants, and mountain scenery on the way back.
Furthermore, Al Baroudi highlighted the practical benefit of the service for her elderly mother. This option is ideal for her mother to easily attend appointments in Abu Dhabi and return to Kalba without fatigue.
A Luxurious Travel Experience
Asma Al Marzouki, an employee and mother of seven children from Abu Dhabi, had been waiting for this moment since the first announcement of the national passenger railway. As soon as the first service to Fujairah started, she and her family immediately bought tickets.
She recounted: 'From the moment the idea of Etihad Rail appeared, we waited for the day we could travel from one emirate to another.' When the first train from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi was announced, they were very excited and bought tickets right away. Since they did not plan to travel abroad, they decided to visit beautiful Fujairah.
The family chose Premium Class, which starts from 120 dirhams per ticket. Al Marzouki stated: 'The trip was luxurious in every sense of the word. From arriving at the station, the amenities were magnificent, the seats comfortable, and the hospitality excellent.'
Asma Al Marzouki carefully planned the trip, researching hotels near the station in Fujairah. She found the Sea Hotel, located a ten-minute drive away. Upon arriving at the Fujairah station, there were many taxis. They took a taxi to the hotel and traveled around Fujairah by taxi; this created the feeling of a real foreign trip.
She is already planning the next trip: 'We will definitely use Etihad Rail always. The next plan is to travel by train to Al Dhafra, Dubai, and Sharjah, God willing.'
A Short Trip with a Big Impact
Umm Rashid Al Zahmi from Fujairah was motivated by a simple desire to relax. She and her family took a train trip from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi and back, finding the experience comfortable and pleasant for all ages. She noted that it was a wonderful and very comfortable impression, which was much more fun for the children, and that it was definitely a lighter and more enjoyable experience for all family members.
Despite the short duration of the trip, it made a strong impression. Umm Rashid Al Zahmi reported that they have another trip planned in a week, and her children really want to repeat the experience.
Important Service Information
Currently, Etihad Rail operates three daily services between Mohammed bin Zayed Station in Abu Dhabi and Al Hilal Station in Fujairah. Initial fares start from 55 dirhams for Comfort Class and from 120 dirhams for Premium Class. Discounts are available for children aged 2 to 17 and for seniors over 60 years old. Tickets can be purchased on the Etihad Rail website or mobile application, and passengers are advised to arrive at the station no later than 20 minutes before departure. Free parking is provided for ticket holders at the Abu Dhabi station, and a 10 dirham shuttle connects the station with Reem Mall, the headquarters of Adnoc and Adnec. Taxis are easily accessible at the Fujairah station for further travel.
Etihad Rail Development Plans
The Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route is just the beginning. On September 30, 2026, passenger services will expand to include the Dubai station near Jumeirah Golf Estates and the Al Dhaid station in Sharjah. The construction of additional stations in the Al Dhafra and Sharjah University City areas is planned by the end of 2026 and throughout 2027. Once fully operational, the 900 km network will connect 11 cities and regions across all seven emirates, from Al Saila in the west to Fujairah on the eastern coast.
