UAE launches first passenger train between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi

The UAE has officially launched the first passenger route of its national railway network, Etihad Rail. The inaugural train departed from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi. The project is designed to improve connectivity between the emirates, reduce reliance on road transport, and support investment, tourism, and urban development, The National reports.

Expansion of the UAE rail network

The journey between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, approximately one hour less than the same trip by car. Trains operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h, with the route passing through the country's mountainous landscapes.

Etihad Rail's passenger fleet consists of 13 trains, each accommodating up to 400 passengers. The new stations feature cafés, restaurants, and retail outlets, while onboard catering is also available. Demand has been strong, with more than 10,000 tickets sold before regular operations began. A Comfort Class ticket costs AED 55 ($15), while Premium Class is priced at AED 120 ($33). A 50% introductory discount is currently available.

The railway network will continue to expand. Stations at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai and Al Dhaid in Sharjah are scheduled to open on September 30. Stations in Al Dhafra will begin operations on December 30, while the University City station in Sharjah will open on March 30. A total of ten stations are expected to be operational by the end of March 2027. By 2030, the Etihad Rail passenger network is projected to serve 36 million passengers annually.

Fines for passengers on UAE trains

Etihad Rail has also published a list of violations carrying fines ranging from 100 to 10,000  AED ($28–2,723). The regulations apply to both trains and railway stations.

A fine of AED 200 ($55) applies to littering on trains or at stations, travelling without a valid ticket, fare evasion, and failure to follow the instructions of Etihad Rail staff. Passengers are also prohibited from placing their feet on seats, occupying reserved seats without authorization, travelling in a higher class than their ticket permits, forging or fraudulently using tickets, refusing to leave the platform when instructed, misusing discounted tickets, carrying prohibited items, or bringing, consuming, or being under the influence of alcohol.

A fine of AED 500 ($136) is imposed for smoking or vaping in prohibited areas, as well as for aggressive, abusive, or offensive behaviour. Additional violations include:

• causing delays to train services;
• attempting to board or exit a moving train;
• possessing or distributing prohibited narcotic substances;
• conducting commercial photography or filming without written permission from Etihad Rail.

More serious offences carry a fine of AED 5,000 ($1,362). These include blocking train doors, interfering with safety systems, falsely activating emergency equipment, as well as:

• using emergency exits without a genuine emergency;
• throwing objects from trains or onto railway infrastructure;
• trespassing on railway tracks;
• damaging trains or station property, including graffiti and vandalism.

For violations not specifically listed, Etihad Rail may impose fines ranging from AED 100 to AED 10,000 depending on the severity of the offence.

Conclusion

Analysts at International Investment note that the war in the Middle East has negatively affected both the UAE's tourism market and real estate sector, reducing investment activity and tourist arrivals. Nevertheless, the country remains an attractive destination for both visitors and investors. The launch of passenger rail services is expected to improve domestic mobility, shorten travel times between emirates, and make travel more convenient.

Tourists planning to visit the UAE should remember that the country enforces strict regulations and penalties. These rules extend well beyond the railway system. Significant fines are also imposed for traffic violations. In addition, authorities prohibit publishing photos or videos showing air defence operations, drone launches, or missile attacks. Such violations may result in arrest and criminal prosecution. Dozens of tourists have already been detained in Abu Dhabi and Dubai over related social media posts and messages shared through messaging apps. It is also worth noting that negotiations between Iran and the United States continue to face repeated interruptions. With tensions in the region still high, it is too early to speak of lasting peace.