Sheikh Mohammed rides Etihad Rail passenger train from Dubai to Fujairah
The passenger service will connect every emirate and make travelling in and out of Dubai much easier.
And it looks like plans are getting ever closer as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has taken a journey on the passenger train from Dubai.
Sheikh Mohammed's journey marks a significant historic milestone for the rail project as commercial operations are set to launch in 2026.
While freight services have been up and running since 2023 on the nationwide railway network, a full passenger service isn't expected until next year.
Sheikh Mohammed rides Etihad Rail between Dubai and Fujairah
Sheikh Mohammed's journey gives us a sneak peek at a trip between the passenger stations in Dubai and Fujairah. The two emirates will serve as key hubs within the national railway network once operations are underway.
Trains will operate at speeds of up to 200km/hr, and the first four passenger stations will be located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah.
Sheikh Mohammed said: 'Etihad Rail is a vital economic artery that supports the UAE's journey to the future.
'It is a key pillar in our vision to build an integrated transport network that strengthens the UAE's position as a leading logistics hub, while facilitating the movement of people and goods.'
Etihad Rail was honoured to host His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aboard the passenger train journey between the emirates of Dubai and Fujairah, with passenger services set to commence operations… pic.twitter.com/H8FMISJiyo
— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) August 2, 2025
Sheikh Mohammed took a journey between Dubai and Fujairah (Credit: Etihad Rail)
Earlier this year, one lucky passenger shared a more in-depth look at what journeys are going to look like on board.
Sarah Adel Luqman, a participant in the UAE's National Experts Program, described it as 'seamless comfort, world-class service, and breathtaking views,' calling it one of the top highlights of 2025.
You might also like: A guide to Etihad Rail: High-speed rail, passenger service, dates and more
She shared a video of what it would be like to travel from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah via Dubai by train.
She praised the professionalism of the Etihad Rail team and thanked the UAE leadership for their visionary infrastructure goals.
Not to mention, the trip offered a front-row seat to the country's next big leap in sustainable travel – let's be honest, we're ready to pack our bags.
You can expect plush seats, charging ports, entertainment systems, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and Orient Express-style luxury thanks to a partnership with Italian firm Arsenale.
The full network will connect 11 cities from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east, linking major stops like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ruwais, and Sharjah.
Tickets have not yet been priced but you can expect RTA's nol card to be among the payment options.
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