The railway operator has introduced a list of passenger violations, each carrying a fine ranging from Dh100 to Dh10,000. The penalties apply not only on trains but also inside stations and other railway facilities.

Here’s a breakdown of the fines.

Dh200 fines

Passengers can be fined Dh200 for offences including:

• Travelling without a valid ticket or using a ticket issued in someone else’s name.
• Avoiding fares or misusing discounted and concession tickets.
• Sitting in a reserved seat without permission.
• Travelling in a higher class than shown on the ticket.
• Littering or disposing of waste improperly.
• Putting feet on train seats.
• Refusing to follow instructions from Etihad Rail staff.
• Remaining on a platform after being instructed to leave.
• Entering trains or stations while intoxicated.
• Carrying or consuming alcohol in prohibited areas.
• Altering or forging tickets.
• Dh500 fines

A Dh500 fine applies to passengers who:

• Smoke or vape in prohibited areas.
• Spit or deliberately dirty trains or stations.
• Harass, threaten or verbally abuse passengers or staff.
• Tamper with train doors or prevent them from closing.
• Attempt to open train doors while the train is moving.
• Delay train services.
• Board or get off a moving train.
• Conduct commercial photography or filming without approval.

Dh5,000 fines

More serious violations carry a Dh5,000 penalty, including:

• Misusing emergency brakes, alarms or fire safety equipment.
• Entering railway tracks or restricted areas without authorisation.
• Damaging trains or station property, including graffiti or vandalism.
• Throwing objects onto or from trains or station platforms.
• Misusing emergency exits or emergency equipment without a genuine emergency.

Can fines be higher?

Yes. Etihad Rail says other violations not specifically listed can attract fines ranging from Dh100 to Dh10,000, depending on the nature and seriousness of the offence.

Can you still face legal action?

Yes. Etihad Rail says paying a fine does not prevent further legal action. Serious cases may still be referred to the relevant authorities, including the Public Prosecution, and could result in additional penalties or imprisonment under UAE law.

Why has Etihad Rail introduced these rules?

The operator says the fines are designed to ensure a safe, comfortable and efficient travel experience for everyone using the UAE’s passenger rail network, while protecting passengers, staff and railway infrastructure.

Sajeda Shawa, Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the UAE, has joined an international appeal urging world leaders to prioritise dialogue, diplomacy and humanitarian values amid escalating global conflicts.

The appeal was coordinated by the International Spiritual Council for Transforming Humanity (ISCTH) and brings together humanitarian leaders, parliamentarians and religious figures calling for peaceful solutions to ongoing crises.

Call for dialogue over conflict

In her message, Shawa stressed the importance of placing human dignity at the centre of decision-making during a period marked by armed conflicts and humanitarian emergencies.

“I hope leaders choose dialogue over division, compassion over indifference, and place human dignity at the heart of every decision,” she said.

The appeal comes as conflicts in several regions continue to displace millions of people and increase pressure on humanitarian relief efforts.

International leaders back the initiative

Among those supporting the appeal are:

• Dr H.C. Nik Gugger, a member of the Swiss Parliament, who called for dialogue instead of escalation.
• Jan Figel, President of FOREF Europe and former European Union Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, who highlighted the importance of protecting human rights to achieve lasting peace.
• Dalai Lama, who reiterated that lasting peace begins with compassion.
• Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, who called for greater support for peace and vulnerable communities affected by conflict.

The appeal also referenced comments by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who urged compromise to achieve long-term peace agreements.

Focus on diplomacy

The initiative is led by Maitreya Dadashreeji, founder of ISCTH, who called on governments to resolve disputes through diplomacy rather than confrontation.

He also appealed for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying dialogue and cooperation offer the most sustainable path to long-term stability.

Promoting humanitarian values

ISCTH said the initiative aims to encourage governments, institutions and communities to prioritise human life, dignity and peaceful engagement as humanitarian crises continue to affect millions of people worldwide.

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has imposed a Dh1.82 million financial penalty on a branch of a foreign bank operating in the country for violating consumer protection rules.

The regulator did not identify the bank involved.

Why was the bank fined?

According to the CBUAE, inspections found that the bank failed to issue a liability letter within the mandatory seven-day timeframe, breaching the central bank’s Market Conduct and Consumer Protection Regulations and Standards.

The penalty was imposed under Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025, which governs the Central Bank, financial institutions and insurance activities.

What is a liability letter?

A liability letter is issued when a customer wants to transfer an existing loan or other financial obligations to another bank or apply for new financing elsewhere.

Banks are required to provide the document within seven days to ensure customers can switch lenders or complete financing arrangements without unnecessary delays.

CBUAE reinforces consumer protection

The central bank said the enforcement action reflects its commitment to ensuring banks comply with UAE laws and consumer protection regulations.

The regulator added that it will continue to monitor financial institutions to uphold transparency, integrity and high standards across the UAE’s banking sector.