Etihad Rail officially launched passenger train services between Dubai and Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, September 30, marking the operational debut of one of the UAE's largest infrastructure projects.
The first train departed Al Yalayis Station in Dubai's Jumeirah Golf Estates on Wednesday morning bound for Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi. The journey, which can take close to two hours by car, now takes roughly 57 minutes by rail.
Etihad Rail said it is running five daily departures in each direction between the two cities at launch. Comfort Class tickets start at Dh39 for online bookings, while Premium Class fares begin at Dh109. Tickets can be purchased through the company's mobile app, website, or vending machines at stations.
The station inauguration was attended by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of Etihad Rail, and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial at Etihad Rail Mobility, said the project was announced in December 2021 and the team completed the network three months ahead of schedule.
Alongside the Dubai-Abu Dhabi route, passenger services between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah also began this week, with six daily trips already running between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. The launch is part of a wider national rail network that Etihad Rail plans to eventually extend across the UAE and to neighbouring countries.