The UAE’s passenger rail project has reached a major construction milestone, with Etihad Rail completing its first passenger station in Fujairah as the national network continues to expand.
Located in Al Hilal City in Fujairah, the station became the first passenger station on the Etihad Rail network to be fully completed. Officials visited the finished facility in May 2026 ahead of the start of passenger services.
The completion comes as Etihad Rail works towards connecting communities, economic centres and tourism destinations across the UAE through its expanding passenger network.
Fujairah Station Is the First to Be Completed
The Fujairah Passenger Station covers approximately 51,900 square metres and occupies a strategic location in Madinat Al Hilal.
Its position gives passengers convenient access to several major local destinations. According to Etihad Rail, the station is around 12 minutes from Fujairah International Airport, six minutes from Umbrella Beach Corniche and five minutes from Sakamkam Fort.
The station is designed to provide an easy connection between rail travel and other forms of transport, helping passengers reach the station by car, taxi and public transport.
What Can Passengers Expect at the Station?
The new station has been designed around a straightforward passenger experience, with facilities intended to make journeys easier from arrival through to boarding.
Inside, the station includes ticketing facilities, digital information displays, clear passenger wayfinding and spacious waiting areas. Areas have also been planned for restaurants and cafés as the station develops its wider offering.
Passengers enter through automated gates before moving towards the platforms, while the overall layout has been designed to support smooth movement through the building.
Etihad Rail Passenger Services Are Already Underway
Although the Fujairah station was completed earlier in the year, passenger rail services have since moved from construction into operation.
Etihad Rail launched its first scheduled national passenger service on June 30, 2026, with the inaugural journey travelling from Fujairah to Mohammed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi. The first service departed Fujairah at 5:34am and arrived in Abu Dhabi at 7:19am.
The introductory phase initially focused on the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah connection, providing a new rail option for residents and visitors travelling between the two emirates.
Abu Dhabi to Fujairah Journey Takes 1 Hour 45 Minutes
Etihad Rail has said the passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah can take around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The trains are designed to offer features including guaranteed seating, onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat and generous luggage space. Premium Class is also available for passengers seeking a higher level of comfort.
The fleet consists of 13 passenger trains, with each train capable of carrying up to 400 passengers.
Dubai and Al Dhaid Stations Set to Open Next
The UAE’s passenger rail network is being introduced in stages rather than all at once.
Dubai and Al Dhaid stations are scheduled to begin operations on September 30, 2026, expanding the network beyond the initial Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route.
The next stages will bring passenger rail to additional locations, with Madinat Zayed and Liwa scheduled for November 30, 2026, while other Al Dhafra stations are due to open on December 30. Sharjah Station is scheduled to complete the wider route on March 30, 2027.
A Growing National Rail Network
The completed Fujairah station is an important part of a much larger infrastructure project designed to improve connections across the UAE.
Rather than focusing only on intercity journeys, Etihad Rail describes passenger rail as a new mobility option for commuting, family travel, education, tourism and leisure. The network is being developed to connect population centres with economic and tourism destinations across the country.
The phased rollout also allows the railway operator to increase services gradually while monitoring passenger demand and operational requirements.
Etihad Rail Sees Strong Early Demand
The new passenger network has already attracted significant interest. Etihad Rail announced in August 2026 that more than 70,000 tickets had been sold since passenger services began, with customers booking an average of 12 days ahead of travel.
The operator said the early demand includes families, commuters, school groups, leisure travellers and visitors, suggesting that passenger rail is already becoming part of different types of journeys across the UAE.
What Happens Next for Etihad Rail?
With Fujairah already operating and Dubai and Al Dhaid scheduled to join the network on September 30, 2026, the next stage of Etihad Rail’s passenger project is quickly approaching.
Further station openings later in 2026 and into 2027 will gradually extend the network to more parts of the country, including the Al Dhafra region and Sharjah.
The completion of Fujairah Passenger Station therefore represents more than a construction milestone. It marks the arrival of a functioning passenger railway that is now expanding step by step across the UAE.
FAQs
The first completed passenger station is in Al Hilal City, Fujairah.
Etihad Rail launched its first national passenger service on June 30, 2026.
The first passenger service connected Fujairah with Mohammed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai and Al Dhaid are scheduled to join the passenger network on September 30, 2026, with further stations planned through 2027.
The journey takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Etihad Rail’s first completed passenger station in Fujairah has helped move the UAE’s national passenger rail vision from infrastructure project to everyday transport service.
With trains already operating between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi and further stations scheduled to open from September 30, 2026, the country’s passenger network is continuing to take shape. As more routes come online, rail is set to provide another way for residents and visitors to travel between the UAE’s cities and regions.
