Etihad Rail recorded 120,000 ticket sales in 30 days after its national passenger network linked four UAE cities.
News Today DeskEtihad Rail sold 120,000 tickets in its first 30 days.See all figures
The sales figures cover 30 September to 30 October. Introductory passenger services began on 30 June, ahead of the formal launch, and the official network went live when Dubai Al Yalayis Station and Al Dhaid Station opened on 30 September.
If you drive on Emirates Road between Dubai and Sharjah at night or before dawn, plan another route until 15 November. The rail network is now a real option for intercity trips.
Etihad Rail has sold 120,000 passenger tickets in the 30 days since its national network launched, according to figures released on 30 October 2026. The network now links Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah, and the period covered is the first full month of operations.
| Period | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 30 June | Introductory passenger services begin |
| 3 August | Abu Dhabi to Fujairah sales pass 70,000 |
| 30 September | National network launches with Dubai and Al Dhaid stations |
| 30 September to 30 October | 120,000 tickets sold |
Ticket sales for the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah service had already passed 70,000 by early August. The national network adds the Dubai and Sharjah legs, so the combined sales figure reflects all four cities in one count.
The same week, Etihad Rail announced a temporary overnight closure on Emirates Road (E611) between Dubai and Sharjah. The road is closed every day from 1am to 5am, starting Friday 30 October and running until Sunday 15 November 2026. The work is part of the rail project's infrastructure programme.
Shift workers, delivery drivers and anyone heading to the airport in the early hours are the most likely to notice. Authorities have asked drivers to plan routes ahead and follow diversion signs where they are in place.
Madinat Zayed and Liwa stations open on 30 November, ahead of the region's winter festivals. Al Sila, Al Mirfa and Al Dhannah follow on 30 December. University City station in Sharjah will be the last station of the first phase, opening on 30 March 2027.
If you're looking at the rail option for a Dubai to Abu Dhabi trip, our guide to the full UAE fuel price picture can help you compare the cost of driving against the cost of the train.
Indicative, not investment advice. Rates are mid-market. Oil is the daily close. Gold is based on the international spot price. Updated 15:21 Dubai time. Exchange Rate API, FRED, gold-api.com.
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