Picture yourself stepping onto a sleek, silver train in the UAE, gliding effortlessly across the desert, reaching Dubai from Abu Dhabi in just 50 minutes. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family on vacation, or a luxury-seeking first-class passenger, this dream is nearing reality. Passenger train operations are expected to commence by 2026 in the UAE.
During the Global Rail Conference in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Rail unveiled a preview of its eagerly awaited passenger trains. On display was a model of the silver train cabin, proudly showcasing the iconic black and red Etihad Rail logo.
Staff revealed that each train will feature three classes: economy, family, and first class. Economy class will offer back-to-back dark grey seats, family class will provide seating facing each other with a longer table between, and first-class seats will be wider and adjustable for passenger comfort. Tray tables will be available behind all seats, and each cabin will include overhead luggage space, with additional room for larger items.
First class seats
Economy class seats
Automated barrier
To access the train station, passengers will scan their tickets at automated barriers. Although early online booking is recommended, ticket machines will also be available at stations. A sample ticket vending machine was showcased, allowing passengers to choose their travel class, start and end destinations, and specify special requests. The machine, colored black and grey, will accept cash, cards, and Apple Pay.
Automated barriers
Fares for the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route and last-mile transport options are yet to be determined.
The first passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h. Traveling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will take 57 minutes, from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah around 100 minutes, and from Abu Dhabi to Ruwais approximately 70 minutes.
The network will feature two types of trains, each with a different seating capacity: the Chinese CRC trains with 365 seats and the Spanish CAF trains with 369 seats. While there will be slight design variations between the two, the class options will remain consistent.
Train and station staff will wear cream-and-red uniforms, while train drivers will don grey-and-black uniforms.
