UAE to launch first passenger train network as nationwide rail rollout begins across Emirates

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Region 23-06-2026 | 16:00

UAE to launch first passenger train network as nationwide rail rollout begins across Emirates

The UAE is set to begin phased passenger rail operations with stations opening across multiple emirates from June 2026, marking a major step in its national transport expansion plan, according to WAM, with full network completion expected by 2027.

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UAE to launch first passenger train network as nationwide rail rollout begins across Emirates
Inauguration of the passenger train station (WAM).
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The UAE is set to launch its first passenger train by the end of the month, with services gradually expanding to connect several cities beginning at the end of September, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

 

WAM reported that Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, inaugurated the passenger train station in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, and witnessed the official announcement that the UAE’s passenger rail network will commence operations on September 30, 2026.

 

WAM noted that the fleet will consist of 13 trains, each capable of carrying up to 400 passengers.

 

 

Inauguration of the passenger train station (WAM).
Inauguration of the passenger train station (WAM).

 

 

According to WAM, preliminary passenger train services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah will begin on June 30, with ticket prices starting at 55 dirhams (approximately $15) for Comfort Class and 120 dirhams (around $32) for Premium Class.

 

Reservations and ticket purchases will be available starting June 23 through the Etihad Trains mobile application and official website.

 

The Dubai station is set to open on September 30, while operations at stations in the Al Dhafra region are scheduled to begin on December 30. The network’s rollout will be completed with the opening of the Sharjah station on March 30, 2027.

 

 

Inauguration of the passenger train station (WAM).
Inauguration of the passenger train station (WAM).

 

 

WAM added that, in the next phase of the project, feasibility studies will be carried out to evaluate expanding the passenger rail network to cover the remaining emirates and other regions across the country.

Sheikh Khaled was quoted as saying that the project represents a “strategic investment” and “reflects the UAE’s vision of building an integrated national transportation network that strengthens connectivity between the emirates and supports sustainable economic growth, while opening new opportunities for investment, tourism, and urban development.”

 

The railway project comes after years of announcements and plans for a high-speed Hyperloop transportation system linking Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a project that has yet to be implemented.

 

 

Inauguration of the passenger train station (WAM).
Inauguration of the passenger train station (WAM).

 

 

Despite the stalled Gulf Cooperation Council-wide rail link project, some countries have instead moved ahead with national and bilateral initiatives to strengthen land connectivity.

In 2022, the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman signed an agreement to establish a railway line connecting Sohar Port in northern Oman to the UAE’s national rail network, with 40% of the project’s total work completed, according to the developer company in April.

In December 2025, Saudi Arabia and Qatar signed an agreement to develop a high-speed rail project linking the two countries’ capitals.

Tags
UAE ، Abu Dhabi ، Mohammed bin Zayed ، Dubai ، Saudi Arabia ، Qatar ، Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ، Fujairah ، Al Dhafra ، Sharjah ، Sheikh Khaled ، northern Oman ، Sohar Port