UAE's First Passenger Train, Etihad Rail, Launched

ABU DHABI, July 1: The United Arab Emirates has entered a new chapter in public transport with the launch of its first passenger train service, Etihad Rail. Beginning June 30, travellers can board trains between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, marking the start of passenger rail operations in the country. The service is expected to significantly improve connectivity between the emirates, offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to road travel.

With journey times of just one hour and 45 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, the railway network is set to reshape domestic travel across the UAE as it moves towards a wider rollout.

According to Etihad Rail, the passenger service will initially operate on a limited route during its preliminary operational phase and will eventually connect all seven emirates and the wider GCC.

The initial service connects Mohamed bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi with Al Hilal City station in Fujairah throughout the summer. The move represents a significant step towards the UAE's long-term vision of creating an integrated public transport network across all seven emirates. The rail system is also expected to support the country's broader sustainability goals by providing a lower-emission alternative to domestic flights and inter-emirate road journeys.

According to Etihad Rail, trains have been designed to offer a modern travel experience focused on comfort, reliability and safety, while integrating with existing public transport systems.

While the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route is the first to welcome passengers, the wider network will be introduced gradually.

Dubai and Al Dhaid stations are scheduled to begin operations on September 30, while Sharjah's station is expected to open on March 30, 2027.

Hamad Mansour Al Balooshi made history as the first passenger to travel on the inaugural Etihad Rail passenger service from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi.

He was selected through Etihad Rail's "Passenger Who Represents Us All" campaign, which invited nominations from residents across the UAE. The company said the recognition was awarded in honour of his contributions to the community.

Ticket Prices And Travel Classes

Tickets for the inaugural route are now available on the Etihad Rail website, and passengers can modify or cancel their bookings.

The fare structure is as follows:

Comfort Class: Dh55 (approximately Rs 1400)
Premium Class: Dh120 (approximately Rs 3100)
Etihad Rail Timetable
The service currently operates three times daily in each direction.

Fujairah to Abu Dhabi

5:34 am - 7:19 am
10:59 am - 12:44 pm
5:28 pm - 7:13 pm
Abu Dhabi to Fujairah

8:19 am - 10:04 am
1:53 pm - 3:38 pm
6:39 pm - 8:24 pm

The Abu Dhabi-Fujairah trip takes around one hour and 45 minutes, while the future Abu Dhabi-Dubai service is expected to take just 57 minutes.

Once fully operational, the passenger rail network is projected to serve around 36.5 million passengers annually, making it one of the UAE's most ambitious transport projects. By offering a convenient alternative to driving, the network is expected to play a growing role in domestic tourism and everyday travel across the country.

Doha named GCC Tourism Capital for 2026

DOHA, Jan 3: The committee responsible for the GCC Tourism Capital has officially announced Doha as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2026, within the framework of strengthening joint tourism cooperation among GCC member states. This decision has been approved by Their Excellencies the Ministers responsible for tourism across the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The selection follows a comprehensive strategic bid submitted by Qatar Tourism, which outlined the State of Qatar’s long-term vision for tourism and showcased Doha’s strengths as a destination that balances cultural authenticity, urban innovation, sustainability and quality of life. The bid aligns closely with national priorities focused on economic diversification and positions tourism as a key driver of sustainable growth.

Commenting on the announcement, His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, said: “The selection of Doha as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2026 marks an important milestone that underscores the success of our leadership’s strategic vision in establishing tourism as a central pillar of the National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. This recognition reflects the qualitative progress achieved in building an integrated and sustainable tourism ecosystem that is competitive at both regional and global levels, supported by world-class infrastructure, strong connectivity, and an exceptional visitor experience.”

He added: “Looking ahead to 2026, this title provides a strategic platform to further strengthen Gulf tourism cooperation, stimulate investment, create new economic opportunities and deliver a lasting legacy that reinforces Doha’s position as a leading regional tourism hub; particularly in business events, major festivals, large-scale activations and family-friendly destination.”

Doha’s selection was underpinned by a set of strategic pillars, including its advanced transport and mobility infrastructure. This encompasses Hamad International Airport, internationally recognised for operational excellence; Qatar Airways’ global network connecting Doha to more than 170 destinations worldwide; and integrated metro and tram systems designed to enable seamless visitor movement across the city.

Qatar has also enhanced its tourism proposition through flexible visa policies via the Hayya platform, in addition to ensuring a competitive and investor-friendly business environment, strong regional and international partnerships, and global promotional campaigns that have elevated the country’s profile on the international tourism map.

The bid also outlined Doha’s capacity to provide a varied tourism experience, supported by advanced infrastructure for hosting events and conferences, as well as a calendar of cultural, sporting, and entertainment events.

These strengths are complemented by the State’s firm commitment to sustainability, heritage preservation, the development of eco-tourism, and a growing leadership position in medical and wellness tourism.

Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar are set to announce further details in the coming period regarding the “GCC Tourism Capital” programme in Doha. This will include joint Gulf initiatives, promotional campaigns, and a year-round programme of community, cultural, and entertainment events, designed to deliver sustainable economic and tourism impact and further strengthen Doha’s position within the regional and global tourism landscape.