The UAE’s upcoming inter-emirate rail network has taken a major step forward after journalists were given an exclusive first ride through Fujairah and the Hajar Mountains.
The UAE’s most anticipated transport project is no longer just a vision on paper.
During a special media preview, journalists boarded the upcoming Etihad Rail passenger train from Fujairah Station towards Al Bithnah Bridge, offering the clearest look yet at what inter-emirate rail travel will feel like when passenger services begin rolling out across the country later this year.
The journey showcased not only the train itself, but also the scale of the infrastructure that will soon connect major cities and destinations across the UAE.
Fujairah Station Is Ready for Passengers
The journey began at Fujairah Station, the first fully completed passenger station on the Etihad Rail network.
Located in Al Hilal City, the station spans approximately 51,900 square metres and was built using more than 20,800 cubic metres of concrete and 2,270 tonnes of steel.
Its modern cream-and-grey exterior is instantly recognisable, while inside, passengers are greeted by spacious waiting areas, automated access gates, digital information displays, and a large route map highlighting destinations across the UAE.
The location was selected strategically, sitting around 12 minutes from Fujairah International Airport, eight minutes from Fujairah City, and only a short drive from major landmarks including Sakamkam Fort and Umbrella Beach.
Inside the Etihad Rail Passenger Train
The trains have been designed with comfort and practicality in mind.
Each train features two travel classes: Comfort and Premium.
Comfort Class offers spacious seating with charging ports, power outlets, tray tables, movable armrests, overhead luggage storage, and dedicated areas for larger bags.
Premium Class provides wider reclining seats and additional space, creating a more relaxed travel experience for longer journeys.
Family seating areas have also been incorporated into the design, allowing groups and families to travel together comfortably.
Passengers can expect bilingual announcements in both Arabic and English, creating a familiar experience similar to existing public transport systems across the UAE.
The Journey Through the Hajar Mountains Is the Real Showstopper
While the train itself is impressive, the route may become one of the most scenic transport experiences in the region.
The Fujairah section of the network passes through nine tunnels carved into the Hajar Mountains, with a combined length of approximately 6.9 kilometres.
Passengers also cross Al Bithnah Bridge, the highest structure on the entire Etihad Rail network, standing 40 metres high and stretching more than 600 metres across the valley below.
Throughout the journey, travellers are treated to panoramic views of the Hajar Mountains, Al Bithnah Fort, Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah, farmland, date palm groves, and smaller communities scattered throughout the eastern region of the UAE.
For many passengers, the scenery alone could become one of the biggest reasons to choose rail over driving.
What the Full Network Will Look Like
The first phase of passenger operations will connect 11 major cities and destinations across the UAE.
Key stations include:
- Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi
- Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai
- University City, Sharjah
- Al Hilal, Fujairah
According to Etihad Rail, estimated journey times will include:
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai: 57 minutes
- Dubai to Fujairah: 69 minutes
- Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: 105 minutes
Passengers will be able to book tickets through the Etihad Rail website, a dedicated mobile application, and station ticketing facilities once services launch.
Ticket prices have not yet been announced.
The operator has also confirmed that 10 of the planned 13 passenger trains have already been delivered, tested, and certified. Each train will be capable of carrying up to 400 passengers.
A New Era of Travel in the UAE
The arrival of the Etihad Rail passenger train represents far more than a new transport option.
For the first time, residents and visitors will be able to move between emirates quickly, comfortably, and without relying solely on roads or domestic flights.
Whether it is a daily commute between Dubai and Fujairah, a business trip to Abu Dhabi, or a weekend getaway across the country, the network promises to fundamentally change how people experience travel in the UAE.
Following this first public preview, one thing is already clear: Etihad Rail is no longer a future project. It is rapidly becoming a reality.
Cover Image: Etihadrail/Website
