Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially launched its first passenger rail service, marking a major milestone in the country’s transport infrastructure and inter-emirate connectivity.
The passenger rail era began with the inauguration of the Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday.
The introductory phase of operations will commence on June 30, connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah through a high-speed rail link that will reduce travel time between the two emirates to just 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Ticket prices for the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route will start at 55 dirhams for Comfort Class, while Premium Class fares will begin at 120 dirhams.
Authorities said the national railway network will be rolled out in stages. New stations in Dubai and Al Dhaid, located in Sharjah emirate, are scheduled to open on September 30.
The expansion will continue later in the year, with passenger rail services extending to Al Dhafra in western Abu Dhabi near the Saudi border by December 2026. Sharjah’s main railway station is expected to become operational in March 2027.
Officials described the project as a transformative step for the UAE’s transportation sector, aimed at strengthening economic activity, boosting tourism, supporting urban development and providing a faster, more efficient and environmentally sustainable travel option for residents and visitors.
The passenger rail network is expected to play a key role in improving mobility across the country while reducing road congestion and enhancing connectivity between major cities and regions.