The introduction of Etihad Rail’s passenger services on June 30, 2026, has fundamentally altered how residents navigate the UAE, offering a relaxing alternative to the traditional long-distance drive. The current route between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah has quickly gained popularity, allowing travelers to bypass highway congestion in favor of a scenic journey through golden dunes and the rugged Hajar Mountains.
Operating three times daily in both directions, the train completes the trip in approximately one hour and 45 minutes. This efficiency has been a major draw for families, with tickets seeing high demand, particularly during weekends. For many, the rail service provides a necessary respite from the fatigue of driving, especially after work hours.
Raya Al Baroudi, a working mother from Abu Dhabi with family roots in Kalba, noted that the train is a safer and more comfortable way to travel with children. She remarked that the service allows her to relax after a long day, avoiding the exhaustion of the road. Her children, meanwhile, have been captivated by the changing landscapes, including sightings of local wildlife and mountain vistas. Al Baroudi also highlighted the convenience for her elderly mother, who can now reach medical appointments in Abu Dhabi from Kalba without the physical strain of a long car ride.
The experience has been equally positive for Asma Al Marzouqi, who traveled with her family in the Premium Class cabin. Having anticipated the launch of the national railway for years, she described the journey as luxurious, praising the station facilities, comfortable seating, and high level of hospitality. Upon arriving at the Fujairah station, her family easily accessed local taxis to reach their hotel, noting that the overall experience felt comparable to international travel. She is already planning future trips to Al Dhafra, Dubai, and Sharjah.
For other travelers, such as Umm Rashid Al Zahmi from Fujairah, the service offers a fun and stress-free leisure option. After taking the train to Abu Dhabi and back, she confirmed that the experience was highly enjoyable for all family members, prompting her to schedule another trip shortly thereafter.
Currently, the service connects the Mohamed bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi with the Al Hilal City Station in Fujairah. Introductory pricing is set at Dh55 for Comfort Class and Dh120 for Premium Class, with specific discounts available for children aged 2 to 17 and seniors aged 60 and above. Passengers are encouraged to book via the official Etihad Rail mobile app or website and are advised to arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before their scheduled departure.
To facilitate travel, the Abu Dhabi station offers free parking for ticket holders, alongside a Dh10 shuttle service that connects the station to key locations including Reem Mall, Adnoc headquarters, and Adnec. Taxis are readily available at the Fujairah station to assist passengers with their onward journeys.
The network is set to expand significantly in the coming months. On September 30, 2026, the service will incorporate new stops at the Dubai Station near Jumeirah Golf Estates and the Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah. Further expansion plans for late 2026 and 2027 include additional stations in Al Dhafra and Sharjah’s University City.
Once the full 900km network reaches completion, it will link 11 cities and regions across all seven emirates, creating a comprehensive transit corridor stretching from Al Sila in the west to the east coast of Fujairah.
Since we were not travelling abroad, we said let’s travel to beautiful Fujairah.”
We booked the Sea Hotel, which was 10 minutes away by car.
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“It was incredibly wonderful and beautiful, characterised by a warm reception and great hospitality.
“Their reaction was full of enthusiasm and happiness.
They loved seeing the beautiful scenery across different regions of the country, spotting camels, antelopes, deer, and livestock, and learning about trees, plants, and mountain views on the way back,” she added.
‘It was luxurious in every sense of the word’
“When the first journey from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi was announced, we were very excited and booked right away.
“The trip was luxurious in every sense of the word.
“I opened the map and searched for the station’s location and the nearest hotels.
We took one to the hotel and moved around Fujairah by taxi; it felt like we were on a proper trip abroad.”
“We will definitely use Etihad Rail always.
My children’s happiness was immense; it truly felt like a real travel experience.”
The trip was a short one, but it left a strong impression.
“We have another trip planned in a week, and my children are very excited to repeat the experience,” she added.
Ruqayya Alqaydi is a Special Correspondent with an endless curiosity to learn.
Like a journalist on a caffeine overdrive, she is fuelled by passion and on a mission to uncover every gem in the UAE.
Source: Khaleej Times
