The United Arab Emirates reached the next significant milestone in its transportation journey Monday when the country's first passenger train arrived in Abu Dhabi, officially ushering in a new era of rail travel.
The first passenger service, operated by Etihad Rail, departed Fujairah at 5:34 a.m. and reached Abu Dhabi in just under one hour and 45 minutes. The train reached the capital at 7:19 a.m., and hundreds of Emiratis were standing on the platform to celebrate and cheer with the launch, applause, and traditional Emirati songs.
The arrival is the start of passenger rail operations in the UAE, a long-awaited development that will change inter-emirate travel from the UAE and will revolutionise travel between cities by reducing travel time and providing a more efficient, sustainable, and convenient way of traveling.
A party atmosphere greeted passengers when they stepped off the historic train. Traditional Emirati dancers were providing a welcome for passengers, and free photo booths, colorful balloons, and complimentary snacks and beverages were available. Many passengers stopped to take photos and reflect on what they say to be one of the country’s greatest transportation accomplishments.
As for the launch, Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial at Etihad Rail Mobility, said that the company has planned the whole travel experience beyond the train journey itself.
"For Etihad Rail, the journey doesn’t just start and end with the train," she said. “We have carefully planned how passengers will get to our stations, whether through shuttle buses, existing public bus networks, taxis, or e-hailing services."
UAE makes history as first passenger train arrives in Abu Dhabi
— Gulf News (@gulf_news) June 30, 2026
A traditional Emirati dance is welcoming the first passengers as crowds gather at the station to celebrate this historic moment, ushering in a new era of rail travel in the UAE.
Read more: https://t.co/5VDbqomScI pic.twitter.com/wOD8Pruukg
Almansoori added that each Etihad Rail station has been integrated with its emirate's public transportation network to guarantee seamless last-mile connectivity. The Dubai station is expected to open in September and will be situated close to a Dubai Metro station, making it easy for people to move between rail services.
Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi were used as the start of the journey with less travel time between the emirates and a comfortable and modern travel experience for the passengers.
The service was described by many travelers as very smooth, comfortable, and high-quality, and the onboard hospitality was very high. One passenger described a nice experience from the start to the end as a very great one while she had the food and the service to go along with the historic experience; the trip was so special for her family’s history.
The launch of passenger services is the next major step in the UAE’s ambitious railway expansion. Etihad Rail is already transporting freight across the country, but passenger trains will change the face of domestic travel, reduce highway congestion, and help in the long-term sustainability of the country.
The project is also in line with the UAE's wider vision of improving public transportation infrastructure and encouraging environmentally friendly modes of travel. By linking major cities and economic hubs, the railway is expected to boost tourism, strengthen regional connectivity, and provide residents with an efficient alternative to driving.
As more stations are opened (the Dubai hub is expected to open later this year), the passenger rail network will grow, and train travel will be more attractive to commuters and tourists alike.
And Monday’s first trip was more than just the launch of a new transport service; it was the start of a new chapter in UAE infrastructure development. With modern trains, integrated public transport connections, and an emphasis on comfort, Etihad Rail is very much an element of the future of mobility in the Emirates.
