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5,000 tickets sell in 48 hours: Etihad Rail sees strong demand ahead of June 30 launch
The first passenger service, connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, is set to begin on June 30
- PUBLISHED: Thu 25 Jun 2026, 1:57 PM UPDATED: Thu 25 Jun 2026, 4:03 PM
More than 5,000 passengers reserved seats within the first two days of bookings opening for Etihad Rail’s passenger services, as the operator’s app became the most downloaded free app in the UAE.
The strong early demand comes ahead of the launch of passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30, marking the start of the introductory operational phase of the UAE’s national passenger rail network. The network will then expand to include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah from September 30. Services to Al Dhafra stations and Sharjah will follow in later phases.
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Etihad Rail said customers are now able to search journeys, purchase tickets, select seats and manage bookings through its app and dedicated booking website, less than five years after passenger rail was announced as part of the UAE’s Projects of the 50.
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“For years, people have watched the railway taking shape across the UAE. Today, they can open an app, buy a ticket and become part of the story themselves,” said Azza AlSuwaidi, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Rail.
Introductory fares on the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route start from Dh55 in Comfort Class and Dh120 in Premium Class. Customers can choose between Comfort and Premium travel classes, along with fare options offering different levels of flexibility.
Comfort Class includes guaranteed seating, Wi-Fi, power at every seat and generous luggage space, while Premium Class offers wider seats and complimentary refreshments and snacks.
“We have designed our offering to provide customers with a combination of affordability, comfort and flexibility, while giving them the freedom to choose the option that best suits their travel needs,” said Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial at Etihad Rail Mobility.
Almansoori had earlier said more than 1,000 tickets were sold on the first day bookings opened. That figure referred to cumulative first-day sales.
Etihad Rail has also confirmed that travel agents can already book multiple tickets under one name from day one, while a dedicated coordination team has been set up to handle corporate, school and group bookings.
The move is expected to support organised trips, school journeys, tourism groups and companies looking to move employees between emirates.
Almansoori said the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route was chosen first because of the complexity of the terrain it covers, including sand and mountain sections. The route also allows Etihad Rail to test first- and last-mile logistics before wider passenger services are expanded.
The network’s first two passenger routes have been designed around different user groups, she said. While the Fujairah route is expected to serve leisure and tourism demand, the future Dubai route is being planned around regular business commuters.
Etihad Rail has also hinted at future fare innovations for Dubai and Sharjah routes, particularly for frequent travellers and students. These would be separate from the senior citizen, child and infant discounts already announced for the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah service.
Passenger rail services will be operated by Etihad Rail Mobility, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis, combining international rail operating expertise with knowledge of the UAE’s transport landscape.
Emirati Journalist