ABU DHABI,— Etihad Rail’s first passenger train pulled into Abu Dhabi on Tuesday after departing from Fujairah, the state news agency reported, marking a key step for the UAE’s national rail network.

The trial run traveled from Fujairah Station to Mohamed bin Zayed City Station as officials and travelers marked the occasion.

Riders aboard described the journey as comfortable and fast, calling it a meaningful first for the country’s rail system.

The test trip opens a new stage for the national network. Regular passenger service is set to begin September 30, linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah.

The network will later expand to the Al Dhafra Region in December 2026 and to Sharjah by March 2027.

Etihad Rail is the company behind the UAE’s national railway system, responsible for building and running both freight and passenger lines across the country.

It was formed in June 2009 under Federal Law No. 2, which gave it the task of developing the network from the ground up.

The system links major UAE ports and industrial hubs, with plans to eventually join broader rail networks across the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Its development supports the goals of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and the UAE Vision 2021, both aimed at diversifying the country’s economy and driving long-term growth.

(With files from WAM, Agencies)

Copyright © 2026 Dubai Diplomacy. All rights reserved.

Your support matters! Consider buying us a coffee — every bit helps keep independent news alive.

Related posts:

Etihad Airways reports 22.4 million passengers in 2025 Etihad Airways expands Tel Aviv route with 42 weekly flights UAE’s Fujairah halts some oil loading after Iran drone attack UAE ports key to Gulf trade lifeline Iran launches missile and drone strikes at UAE, ministry says UAE’s Fujairah port sees bunkering slowdown after fire Flydubai reports $531 million net profit in 2025 Emirates, Etihad resume limited flights to major global cities