UAE launches first passenger rail service with Abu Dhabi-Fujairah link

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has formally launched its first passenger rail service, opening a national network intended to connect the country’s emirates with faster inter-city travel.

The start of the passenger rail era was marked on Monday when Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated the Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station. The first phase of operations will begin on June 30 on the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route, where the trip is set to take 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Officials said tickets on the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah service will start at 55 dirhams in Comfort Class, while Premium Class fares will begin at 120 dirhams. The wider network is due to expand in stages later this year and beyond.

Under the rollout plan, stations in Dubai and Al Dhaid in Sharjah are scheduled to open on Sept. 30. Services to Al Dhafra, the western region of Abu Dhabi near the Saudi border, are expected to start in December 2026, while Sharjah’s main station is planned to join the network in March 2027. UAE officials said the railway project is meant to support economic growth, tourism and urban development, while offering residents and visitors a quicker and more sustainable way to travel between emirates.