Etihad Rail sold 120,000 passenger tickets in its first month after the national service launched on 30 September. The network currently serves Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah. Next up are Madinat Zayed and Liwa, with stations scheduled to open on 30 November. Inter-emirate rail is beginning to become a regular travel option.

The details

Etihad Rail has reported 120,000 passenger ticket sales during the first 30 days following the official launch of its national passenger service on 30 September.

The initial network connects four stations: Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Al Yalayis in Dubai, Al Dhaid in Sharjah and Fujairah.

The reported sales represent an early indication of demand for passenger railway travel, although ticket sales should not be treated as the number of unique passengers.

The next stage of the network's expansion is scheduled for 30 November, when stations at Madinat Zayed and Liwa in Al Dhafra are expected to open ahead of the winter festival season.

Additional stations at Al Sila, Al Mirfa and Al Dhannah are planned for December, with a University City station in Sharjah expected in March 2027.

For residents, the expansion offers another inter-emirate transport option, particularly for journeys that would otherwise depend on private cars or long-distance buses.