Etihad Rail, a major UAE project designed to connect seven emirates and facilitate the movement of residents and tourists, is preparing to expand its network. The Al Yalais station in Dubai will open next month. As part of this expansion, Etihad Rail introduced the Passenger Charter, which details passenger conduct rules and lists penalties for violations.
To ensure safety and compliance with the charter, Etihad Rail operators conduct random checks at stations. There are specific situations where Etihad Rail staff have the right to require a passenger to immediately leave the train or station.
For example, when listening to audio on Etihad Rail trains, passengers are required to maintain a moderate volume level so as not to disturb others. Etihad Rail personnel may ask those playing audio too loudly to alight at the next station if they are causing excessive noise or disturbance. They may also be advised to stop using the electronic device, wear headphones, or lower the volume.
Furthermore, if an authorized person reasonably believes that a passenger is unfit to enter or remain at the station or on the train due to intoxication or possession of alcoholic beverages, they may demand immediate departure. Operators may also prohibit that passenger from boarding or remaining until they are sure the person is no longer intoxicated or unfit.
A passenger may also be asked to leave if, in the reasonable opinion of an authorized Etihad Rail employee, they are in an unsuitable or inappropriate state, or if their clothing could stain or damage any part of Etihad Rail property, or the property or clothing of another person. In general, violating the Etihad Rail Passenger Code of Conduct can lead to such sanctions.
The Code sets out several requirements: passengers must follow staff instructions and signs, stand at the end of the queue, and not jump over it. Passengers are required to dress modestly and appropriately; transparent, revealing, or offensive clothing is prohibited.
It is forbidden to carry items that may threaten, irritate, stain, damage, or endanger people, property, or the railway. Upon receiving instructions, passengers must immediately remove any inappropriate item and may be required to cover associated costs.
Smoking, vaping, and carrying burning matches, lighters, or other flammable items are prohibited in ticketed areas, except in designated smoking areas. Possession, consumption, or trading of controlled substances or narcotics is forbidden. Prohibited items are banned, while restricted items are only allowed if relevant requirements are met.
Intoxicated or unfit passengers cannot be on stations or trains. If alcohol is prohibited on a service, passengers cannot bring it onboard. Aggressive, threatening, indecent, insulting, harassing, intimidating, or destructive behavior is also prohibited.
Passengers must not interfere with train doors, misuse signaling systems, ignore safety instructions, or otherwise endanger passengers or staff. Furthermore, passengers must not pose a threat to public health, such as traveling with a contagious disease.
It is forbidden to cause annoyance, irritation, or inconvenience to other passengers, staff, or authorized crew. Selling, advertising, or distributing goods/services, as well as surveys, begging, or door-to-door solicitation requires prior written permission. Damaging, staining, spoiling, vandalizing, or misusing trains, equipment, furniture, or facilities is prohibited. Passengers may be charged for cleaning, repair, or replacement costs resulting from such actions.
Photographing, filming, or recording people without their explicit consent is prohibited; violations may lead to related claims. Commercial photography, video, or audio recording requires prior written permission. Littering and spitting are also prohibited. Food and drinks should only be consumed in designated areas, and waste should be disposed of in provided bins. Foods or drinks with strong odors, or items that could spill, stain, or damage the train or other passengers' belongings, are prohibited.
If a passenger is deemed to be violating the rules and refuses to leave upon request, Etihad Rail staff or an authorized person may remove the passenger using reasonable force. This occurs in addition to any other consequences of the violation. Before removal, Etihad Rail staff or an authorized person will briefly inform about the nature of the violation.
Yes, repeated journeys without a valid ticket may result in the passenger being denied access to all Etihad Rail services. A ticket is considered valid if it shows the correct date, time, and passenger name, and has not yet been used.
Etihad Rail, a landmark transport project for the country, has opened up new opportunities for travelers, allowing them to replace long hours of driving in traffic with a scenic train journey.
The first route connecting Fujairah and Abu Dhabi launched on June 30th. As more residents of the UAE choose this mode of transport, and more stations are set to open soon, it is crucial to know what items are permitted on Etihad Rail and which items are prohibited.
Prohibited items include explosives, such as fireworks and ammunition. Flammable and hazardous substances, such as gasoline, paint thinners, compressed gases (including pressurized cylinders and aerosol cans), and other similar materials, are also banned.
Weapons—firearms, knives, and other weaponry—are forbidden to be transported unless they are with authorized personnel (such as law enforcement). Additionally, illegal drugs, chemical, and biological hazards are prohibited.
Large and bulky items of any kind are also banned: luggage exceeding dimensions or items that do not fit in the baggage area or obstruct aisles and exits. This includes large luggage, boxes, musical instruments, and sports equipment (including surfboards, oars, skis, snowboards, golf clubs, and other bulky sporting gear or bags).
Unsecured items are prohibited—any items that cannot be safely stored or secured in designated areas of the train, including plants. Commercial goods whose quantity and/or packaging indicate the need for specialized professional transportation, as well as items prohibited by customs authorities, are also banned.
Carrying any type of alcoholic beverages is strictly forbidden, regardless of whether they are hermetically sealed or legally purchased. Smoking devices, including electronic hookahs, vaping devices, e-cigarettes, and any other electronic smoking apparatus, are also prohibited.
Furthermore, offensive items capable of causing discomfort or offense to other passengers, such as those emitting strong odors, as well as any other items that may create danger, disruption, or undue concern, are prohibited.
Bicycles, scooters (including electric scooters), and personal means of transport are also banned, regardless of whether they can be folded or disassembled.
There are items that are restricted on Etihad Rail journeys but are allowed under certain conditions. Passengers cannot carry more than the permitted amount of luggage. Regardless of ticket type, each traveler can bring up to two pieces of luggage free of charge.
Wheelchairs are allowed if the passenger has pre-booked a space for a wheelchair. Only electric chairs with integrated batteries installed by the manufacturer are permitted.
Prams or baby strollers are allowed if the passenger is traveling with a child using such a stroller, and the stroller folds easily or can be disassembled. One such item per child is accepted free of charge. It is recommended to use protective wrapping.
Medical equipment (such as oxygen tanks or other mobility aids) is permitted provided the passenger has booked a space for a wheelchair and the equipment fits in the designated area.
Personal belongings, such as a handbag or laptop bag, must fit under the seat. The maximum dimensions for hand luggage are 55 cm (H) x 40 cm (W) x 23 cm (D), and these items must be stored on overhead luggage racks.
In addition to the two allowed items, extra luggage must be requested through the app, website, Contact Center, or at the station.
Pets, including dogs and falcons, are allowed in an approved carrier with maximum dimensions of 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm. The pet carrier replaces the standard hand luggage allowance; passengers cannot travel with a pet carrier and a separate piece of hand luggage simultaneously. Pets must always remain inside the carrier and under the passenger's control.
Trained and certified guide dogs are allowed, and they must be pre-booked through the Contact Center.
The Etihad Rail passenger network is anticipated to transform Fujairah's real estate market, as developers and real estate experts predict increased demand, higher property values, and an influx of new investments, making the emirate more accessible to the rest of the UAE.
Industry leaders note that improved transport connectivity can transform Fujairah from a destination for short trips into a full-fledged place for living, working, and investing. This also opens up new opportunities for residential, retail, and mixed-use developments around the new railway stations.
Nassar Tajalli, General Manager of Fujairah Real Estate Agency, suggested that initial demand will arise in the areas of the Fujairah and Sakamkam stations. He stated that there will first be healthy interest in residential plots and villas near these stations, followed by attractive demand for retail and mixed-use development as these areas develop.
In the long term, Tajalli forecasts that well-located properties near the stations could increase by 20–30 percent between 2029 and 2031. This growth will be accompanied by an improved quality of life due to reduced travel time, better amenities, and increased employment opportunities.
With over two decades of experience observing the Fujairah real estate market, he noted that the emirate has long been underestimated despite its lifestyle appeal.
Fujairah is the only emirate in the UAE located entirely on the eastern coast, bordering Oman and facing the Arabian Gulf. Known for its mountains, beaches, and diving spots, it has become a popular destination for residents seeking a quieter lifestyle.
According to Property Finder data, searches for property sales in Fujairah reached the highest monthly figure in July—8,337 inquiries. The number of leads also increased: rental leads rose by 11.1 percent to 1,306, and sales leads rose by 2.2 percent to 92 between June and July 2026.
One of the first Etihad Rail stations was opened in Al Hilal city. Sherif Sleiman, Revenue Director at Property Finder, believes this moment should be closely monitored, as the map showing where housing demand outpaces supply is beginning to align with the map of new inter-emirate infrastructure.
Fibha Ahmed, Vice President of Sales at Bayut and dubizzle Property, believes the impact of Etihad Rail will extend far beyond just residential demand. She noted that the launch of Etihad Rail passenger services could be a turning point for Fujairah's real estate market, as improved connectivity makes previously overlooked markets more attractive to both locals and investors.
Ahmed emphasized that Fujairah already offers relatively affordable housing, spacious properties, and a unique lifestyle. Railway connectivity strengthens this offering for buyers looking to get the best value while remaining connected to the country's main employment hubs.
Furthermore, she added that improved accessibility could support tourism, attract business activity, and stimulate investment in infrastructure and mixed-use projects, laying the foundation for sustainable real estate market growth. However, she also noted that expanding free ownership options will be equally important for attracting long-term investors.
Ahmed concluded that while connectivity can bring people to the market, investors also need access to suitable properties, clear ownership structures, and confidence that they can own the asset for a long time.
Thrifty Car Rental UAE has announced the launch of a new service, 'Rail to Road,' which will allow Etihad Rail passengers to rent a vehicle directly at railway stations to complete their journey across the UAE.
On Monday, Thrifty Car Rental UAE reported that it has signed an exclusive five-year agreement with Etihad Rail to service the national passenger rail network. Passengers will be able to book cars through the Etihad Rail website and app, as well as via the Thrifty platform. Digital kiosks for rentals and physical assistance points will be installed at each of the 11 stations in the network.
Both companies are working to integrate transport booking with train ticket purchases, allowing travelers to process both parts of their journey through a single digital process. This service aims to solve transportation issues at the beginning and end stages for tourists, business people, and passengers whose final destinations are not near railway stations.
Thrifty UAE stated plans to invest over 10 million dirhams over the next five years in expanding its fleet, developing digital infrastructure, and improving customer experience. Initially, about 500 vehicles will be allocated to the service, with capacity expected to increase according to passenger demand and the development of the rail network.
According to Thrifty UAE, more than half of global train passengers use car rental or other shared mobility services to complete their trip. By combining rail transport with on-demand transport access, passengers can pick up a car at the arrival station and continue to their destination.
The company is also developing AI-based booking and customer service features within its platform. Abdullah Ahmed Almoosa, founder of A.A. Almoosa Enterprises, noted: 'True connectivity covers the entire journey from start to finish. By bringing Thrifty into the Etihad Rail network, we eliminate gaps for passengers and help build a smarter, fully connected, and sustainable future for travel in the UAE.'
Etihad Rail launched the first phase of its passenger service on June 30, connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. The network is planned to expand on September 30, 2026, with the opening of Dubai Station, located near Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah. These additions will increase rail accessibility for two major population centers in the country. Additional stations are planned to open in phases until the end of 2026 and the beginning of 2027. Madinat Zayed and Liwa Stations in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi are scheduled to open earlier than planned, on November 30, 2026. Al Sila, Al Dannah, and Al Mirfa Stations, also in the Al Dhafra region, will begin operations on December 30, extending the passenger network further west. The Sharjah University Station is scheduled to open on March 30, 2027, completing the first phase of the passenger network. It is expected that after full operation, the Etihad Rail network will carry approximately 10 million passengers annually.
