Network connects Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid, and Fujairah as expansion plans advance across Al Dhafra
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Etihad Rail recorded 120,000 ticket sales across the United Arab Emirates’ national passenger network during its first 30 days of commercial operation.
The figures, spanning 30 September to 30 October 2026, track travel demand across routes linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid, and Fujairah following the official rollout of interstate passenger services.
Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial and Support at Etihad Rail Mobility, stated that the passenger uptake demonstrates confidence in the network.
“Our ambition is for passenger rail to become a natural part of everyday life, and a trusted choice that people return to time and again for comfortable, safe and reliable travel,” Almansoori said. “The strong response we have seen during the first month reflects passengers’ confidence in this new mode of transport and reinforces our commitment to continuously enhancing our services in line with their needs and expectations. In doing so, we are contributing to the vision of our wise leadership to transform mobility across the UAE.”
Carriages feature onboard device charging stations catering to business commuters alongside open seating layouts for family travel. Stations across the route provide onward transit links developed with regional transit authorities.
At Dubai Al Yalayis Station, a pedestrian bridge connects directly into the Dubai Metro Red Line at Jumeirah Golf Estates. In Abu Dhabi, shuttle fleets transport passengers between Mohamed bin Zayed City Station and key hubs, including the ADNOC Headquarters on the Corniche, ADNEC Centre, Reem Mall, and Yas Island. Dedicated connecting transit services also operate at Al Dhaid and Fujairah stations.
The full network launch was completed with the opening of Dubai Al Yalayis and Sharjah’s Al Dhaid stations, integrating with the earlier introductory hubs in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. Etihad Rail plans to extend lines further into the Al Dhafra Region over the coming months, with passenger stops scheduled to open in Liwa and Madinat Zayed.
