Etihad Rail has revealed new details of its highly anticipated passenger services launching in 2026, introducing exclusive family seating, strong onboard Wi-Fi for business travellers, and significantly reduced journey times across the UAE.

Azza AlSuwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, said the seating design will allow families to spend quality time together,a feature aligned with 2026 being the UAE’s Year of the Family.

Faster travel

The passenger rail network will connect 11 cities and regions, stretching from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east, passing through:

• Ruwais
• Al Mirfa
• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai
• Sharjah
• Al Dhaid
• Fujairah

Travellers can expect major time savings, including:

• 57 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai
• 105 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah

A separate high-speed rail service is also planned, connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes, with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h.

Designed for families and daily commuters

Etihad Rail says the new passenger experience is built around comfort, reliability and flexibility.

Key features include:

• Dedicated family seating areas
• Strong Wi-Fi connectivity for remote work and business travel
• Luggage storage for weekend trips and staycations
• A consistent and reliable timetable for daily commuters

“For commuters, reliability is everything. Etihad Rail will offer a journey people can plan around, one that gives them useful and usable time back,” AlSuwaidi said.

The project is expected to reshape commuting patterns, boost tourism and business travel, and support the country’s long-term economic vision.

E-scooter riders in Dubai face a Dh200 fine for using jogging and sports tracks, according to a renewed safety warning from Dubai Police. Authorities stressed that sports and pedestrian-only tracks are strictly prohibited for motorised micromobility devices.

The reminder forms part of ongoing road safety campaigns aimed at reducing accidents and ensuring safe shared spaces across the emirate.

Fines for riding on sports and pedestrian tracks

Under Dubai’s e-scooter regulations, riding on jogging paths or pedestrian walkways carries a Dh200 penalty. Officials also warned that reckless riding or operating in unauthorised areas may result in confiscation of the e-scooter.

Dubai Police urged riders to follow lane discipline and remain within approved tracks.

Where e-scooters are allowed

Dubai has expanded its micromobility infrastructure, with dedicated cycling and e-scooter lanes across areas such as:

• Hatta
• Dubai Marina
• Jumeirah

Riders must use designated paths marked for e-scooters or shared cycling lanes only.

E-scooter rules you must know

Regulations set by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in coordination with Dubai Police, include:

• Minimum age of 16 years
• Mandatory helmet
• Valid UAE driving licence or free RTA e-scooter permit
• Strict use of approved tracks only

Authorities reiterated that the fines aim to promote responsible riding and strengthen road safety across Dubai.

Residents can report violations through the Dubai Police app’s Police Eye feature or by calling 901.

Motorists in Sharjah can now renew their vehicle inspection without leaving home this Ramadan, as Rafid Vehicle Solutions has introduced a doorstep vehicle renewal inspection service.

The initiative aims to simplify the inspection process and provide a more convenient experience for customers across the emirate during the holy month.

How the service works

Residents can book a vehicle renewal inspection appointment directly through the Rafid app.

Once the booking is confirmed, Rafid’s team will:

• Collect the vehicle from the customer’s location
• Transport it to the inspection centre in Al Azra
• Complete the renewal inspection
• Return the vehicle to the customer after the process is finished

To use the service, customers must:

• Share their live geographical location via the app
• Ensure vehicle and owner details are accurate
• Book the appointment at least one day in advance

Service timings

The service operates throughout Ramadan during the following hours:

• Saturday to Thursday: 9:00am to 3:00pm
• Friday: 8:00am to 12:00pm

Cost and Contact Details

The service costs Dh300, which includes both transportation and the renewal inspection.

For inquiries or additional information, customers can contact Rafid through its official channels or call 80092.

Rafid Vehicle Solutions is affiliated with Sharjah Asset Management, the investment arm of the Sharjah government.

The new Ramadan service is designed to enhance customer convenience, allowing residents to complete essential vehicle procedures smoothly while observing the Holy Month.