The UAE’s national railway developer, Etihad Rail, has announced that the introductory operational phase of its long-awaited passenger rail service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah will begin on 30 June, reducing travel time between the two emirates to just one hour and 45 minutes.

Passengers will be able to book tickets from 23 June through the Etihad Rail website and mobile application. Fares on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route will start from AED55 for Comfort Class and AED120 for Premium Class.

The passenger rail fleet comprises 13 trains, each capable of carrying up to 400 passengers.

The network’s expansion will continue in phases, with Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station scheduled to open on 30 September. Stations in Al Dhafra will follow on 30 December, while the route will be fully completed with the opening of Sharjah Train Station on 30 March 2027.

The announcement came as the Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

During a tour of the station, Sheikh Khaled reviewed its facilities, operational readiness and infrastructure.

He said the passenger rail project reflects the UAE’s ambition to create a fully integrated transport network, improving connectivity between emirates while supporting economic growth, tourism and urban development.

Etihad Rail said studies would also be carried out to assess the feasibility of extending passenger rail services to additional emirates in the future.

The launch marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s transport infrastructure strategy, with the network designed to connect major population centres, economic hubs and tourist destinations across the country.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that he will step down as leader of the governing Labour Party and leave office within weeks, less than two years after leading Labour to a landslide election victory.

Starmer said he would remain as caretaker prime minister until Labour selects a new leader.

Click the link below to hear Keir Starmer’s resignation speech:

His departure follows mounting pressure within the party and comes days after Andy Burnham secured a key parliamentary victory, positioning himself as a potential challenger for the party leadership.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, an emotional Starmer said he had accepted the view of Labour lawmakers that the party needed new leadership ahead of the next general election.

Starmer’s popularity has fallen sharply since Labour’s decisive victory in July 2024, with critics pointing to sluggish economic growth, cost-of-living pressures and declining public support.

Burnham is now seen as a leading contender to succeed Starmer, although former health secretary Wes Streeting has also indicated he could enter a leadership contest.

Starmer leaves office after a turbulent period marked by domestic challenges but also international recognition for his support of Ukraine and efforts to navigate global crises.

Dubai is preparing to introduce official guidelines on public behaviour and celebrations as part of a broader initiative to strengthen its position as the world’s most civilised city.

The announcement was made during the fifth meeting of the Dubai Civility Committee, chaired by Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of The Executive Office and Chairman of the Committee.

Among the key initiatives unveiled were the Dubai Civility Guidebook, which will provide a shared framework for conduct in public spaces, and Guidelines for Celebrating Different Occasions, aimed at ensuring that celebrations reflect the values, responsibilities and cultural identity of Dubai’s diverse community.

Public behaviour

Officials said the initiative goes beyond appearances, positioning civility as a comprehensive ecosystem that enhances quality of life, public behaviour, urban aesthetics and the overall experience of residents and visitors.

The committee also reviewed plans for an integrated lighting strategy designed to strengthen Dubai’s visual identity and create greater harmony across the cityscape. In addition, members discussed a comprehensive assessment framework to help establish standards for what Dubai describes as the world’s most civilised urban environment.

Al Gergawi said the emirate has already built a distinctive global model of civility under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with people and quality of life remaining at the centre of development efforts.