Fujairah Ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi (centre) visits the Fujairah passenger station of Etihad Rail on May 5, 2026. ETIHAD RAIL

The Fujairah passenger train station for Etihad Rail has been completed, marking a key milestone ahead of the planned launch of passenger services in 2026. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, visited the station on Tuesday (May 5), accompanied by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi 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. They were accompanied by Sheikh Saleh bin Mohamed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of Fujairah’s Department of Industry and Economy, along with senior officials. During the visit, the officials reviewed passenger facilities and services expected to be offered once operations begin. Earlier this week, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced that Etihad Rail will be linked to Dubai Metro’s upcoming Gold Line, strengthening connectivity across the emirate. In January, Sheikh Theyab also visited the Abu Dhabi passenger station in Mohammed bin Zayed City, while a test journey conducted in February offered a preview of the future service. The trial trip, which included senior officials such as Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, travelled from Al Qudra in Dubai to Fujairah, showcasing the mountainous landscape along the route. According to Etihad Rail Chief Projects Officer Mohammed Al Shehhi, the first phase of the passenger network will connect 11 cities and key locations, including Mohammed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, University City in Sharjah, and Al Hilal area in Fujairah. Etihad Rail confirmed that initial routes will link Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah, with three main stations located in Mohammed bin Zayed City, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Sakamkam in Fujairah. Passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200kph and accommodate up to 400 passengers. Travel time is expected to be about 57 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and 105 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. Freight services on the network began in 2023, while passenger services are scheduled to start in 2026, forming the UAE’s first fully integrated national railway system. A fleet of 13 trains will support operations across the 11-station network. Additional stations are being developed in Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a, Al Faya and Al Dhaid, alongside four major stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah. ICA/Expat Media
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