Etihad Rail passenger services: Dubai, Sharjah stations opening timeline (Image: Etihad Rail/Enhanced using AI)Etihad Rail passenger train service in UAE: Etihad Rail’s passenger train service will expand connectivity across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with stations planned in Dubai, Sharjah and other locations. The first passenger rail service began between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30. The journey takes just one hour and 45 minutes (105 minutes).The passenger train service has been launched less than five years after the UAE announced the UAE Railway Programme under the Projects of the 50 initiative in 2021.Also Read | Taiwan to get new 300 kmph bullet train based on Japan’s Shinkansen technologyThe UAE’s passenger rail network will connect 11 cities and regions through strategically located stations. These are: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Al Sila’, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a, Al Faya and Al Dhaid. Etihad Rail passenger services: Dubai, Sharjah stations opening timeline (Image: Etihad Rail)Etihad Rail passenger services: When will Dubai, Al Dhaid and other stations open?According to Etihad Rail, passenger train services to Dubai, Al Dhaid, Al Dhafra and Sharjah will be launched in phases. Dubai and Al Dhaid stations are scheduled to open on September 30, 2026, followed by Liwa and Madinat Zayed on November 30, 2026. The remaining Al Dhafra stations are scheduled to open on December 30, 2026, followed by Sharjah station on March 30, 2027, further expanding passenger connectivity across the UAE.Etihad Rail sells over 70,000 train tickets in 34 daysAs of August 3, Etihad Rail had sold more than 70,000 train tickets. It also said that passengers are currently booking their journeys an average of 12 days in advance.“The figures provide one of the clearest indications yet that passenger rail is beginning to establish itself as a new travel choice for families, commuters, leisure travellers and visitors exploring the country.Rather than simply experiencing the service for the first time, customers are increasingly organising business trips, family travel and leisure activities around the railway, signalling that rail is becoming part of how people move across the UAE,” the Etihad Rail said in a statement.Story continues below this adAbu Dhabi-Fujairah train: Speed, ticket priceEtihad Rail’s Abu Dhabi to Fujairah passenger train is operating at speeds of up to 200 kmph. The passenger rail fleet comprises 13 trains, each with a carrying capacity up to 400 passengers. Fares for the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route start at AED 55 for Comfort Class and AED 120 for Premium Class.Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram