UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelled from Abu Dhabi to Dubai aboard Etihad Rail on Monday, ahead of the launch of the UAE’s national passenger rail service.

The journey came as Etihad Rail prepared to inaugurate its Dubai Station, marking another step towards the start of regular passenger operations across the national railway network.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of Etihad Rail, inaugurated the Dubai station.

Passenger services connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah are scheduled to begin on September 30.

When the Dubai service launches, Etihad Rail will operate 10 daily journeys between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, offering passengers multiple travel options throughout the day.

Passengers will also be able to travel directly between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah, with Dubai’s Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates becoming part of the network. Six daily services will operate between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

The journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will take around one hour and four minutes, while the direct Dubai-Fujairah trip will take approximately one hour and 10 minutes.

“We have designed the timetable around the reality of how people travel, with services throughout the day, making rail a practical option for everyday journeys,” said Ameera Alkhlaifi, Director of Strategy & Growth at Etihad Rail.

The expansion follows the introductory Abu Dhabi-Fujairah passenger services, which have carried more than 150,000 passengers. Etihad Rail said repeat journeys have been increasing, with customers typically booking around 10 days ahead.

The operator said feedback and passenger behaviour during the introductory phase are being used to shape the experience as more destinations are added to the network.

“Every new destination added to the network brings the benefits of passenger rail within reach of more people and communities across the UAE,” said Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial at Etihad Rail Mobility.

More Etihad Rail stations to open

The September 30 launch forms part of a phased expansion of the UAE’s passenger rail network.

Madinat Zayed and Liwa are scheduled to join the network on November 30, followed by additional stations in Al Dhafra on December 30.

In Sharjah, University City station is scheduled to open on March 30, 2027.

Etihad Rail’s longer-term plans also extend beyond the UAE through Hafeet Rail, the planned railway connection between the UAE and Oman. The project is expected to create new cross-border links for both passengers and freight, supporting wider regional connectivity.

Dubai’s new Etihad Rail station has officially opened, marking a major step towards the launch of passenger train services connecting the emirate with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail, inaugurated the station in the presence of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The opening comes ahead of the start of passenger services on September 30, when trains will begin connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah as part of the UAE’s national railway network.

Before the official inauguration, Sheikh Mohamed travelled by Etihad Rail from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. During the journey, he was briefed on the train’s operating systems, national objectives and passenger services. After arriving in Dubai, the UAE President met members of the national team working on the project and posed for commemorative photographs with them.

During a tour of the Dubai station, Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Theyab were briefed on its facilities and operations, including ticket booking, passenger procedures, boarding and the overall journey experience.

Sheikh Hamdan also shared a photograph of his Etihad Rail ticket. Dated September 28, the ticket showed a 2.11pm departure from Dubai and arrival in Abu Dhabi at 3.13pm — a journey time of one hour and two minutes. The ticket was for the Comfort Saver category, priced at Dh39.

Sheikh Hamdan said the Dubai station would serve as a new national gateway, strengthening connections between the emirate, the capital and other cities across the UAE.

“Connecting Dubai to the national Etihad Rail network enhances its presence at the heart of the country’s movement, supports its pivotal role in the national economy, and consolidates its position as a global centre for business, tourism and investment,” he said.

Sheikh Theyab said the strong demand for passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah since their launch reflected public confidence in rail travel as a new mode of transportation.

Tickets from Dh39

From September 30, passengers will be able to travel between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah on Etihad Rail passenger services.

Tickets are available through the Etihad Rail app, website and ticket machines at stations. Fares start at Dh39 for Comfort Class and Dh109 for Premium Class.

The Dubai station is also linked to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station through a dedicated pedestrian bridge, allowing passengers to transfer directly between Etihad Rail and the Dubai Metro.

Integration with Dubai’s Nol passenger system will further connect rail and public transport services. Passengers can use a unified QR code for journeys involving Etihad Rail, the Metro, tram and bus services.

The passenger service is operated by Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis, a global passenger transport operator.

The launch marks the next phase of the UAE’s national railway network, bringing intercity passenger rail travel to Dubai and creating a new public transport link between some of the country’s major cities.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will host its first Formula 1 Sprint race in 2027, adding a new competitive element to the season finale at Yas Marina Circuit.

The announcement by organisers Ethara Live follows confirmation of the 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar, which includes 24 Grands Prix across 22 countries and 10 Sprint events.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is scheduled to take place from 9 to 12 December 2027, with Yas Marina Circuit set to host the final round of the season.

The Sprint will be held on Saturday over a distance of 100km. Unlike a traditional Grand Prix, it will not require a mandatory pit stop, and the winner will receive eight championship points.

Abu Dhabi is one of five venues selected to host a Sprint for the first time in 2027, alongside Bahrain, Australia, Japan and Monaco. Sprint events will also return to Montréal, Silverstone, Monza, São Paulo and Lusail.

The expanded Sprint programme will bring the number of Sprint events in the season to 10, up from six. Formula 1 and the FIA said the increase reflects continued demand for the format.

The 2027 season will begin with pre-season testing in Bahrain from 24 to 27 February, followed by the opening race in the country and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The championship will then travel to Australia, Japan, China, Miami and Canada.

Portugal is set to return to the calendar in June, while Türkiye will make its comeback in October, with its race scheduled between Azerbaijan and Singapore. The season will conclude with rounds in Austin, Mexico City, São Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, said the calendar reflected Formula 1’s global appeal and continued growth, while combining established venues with returning destinations and an expanded Sprint programme.

The Abu Dhabi Sprint will give fans at Yas Marina an additional opportunity to see championship points contested before the season concludes on Sunday.