Etihad Rail has achieved a significant milestone in its passenger operations, recording **70,000 bookings** since the service officially launched on **June 30, 2026**. Connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, the rail network is rapidly becoming a preferred alternative to domestic flights and road travel for residents across the UAE. Key highlights of this development include:
* **70,000 passengers** have utilized the service in less than two months.
* Average passenger booking lead time is **12 days in advance**.
* Launch of **’Rail to Road’** car rental partnership with Thrifty UAE.
* Major station expansions scheduled through **March 2027**.
* Long-term goal of serving **36 million passengers annually by 2030**.
A Shift in Travel Habits
Officials at Etihad Rail report that the service is attracting a diverse demographic, ranging from families and business travelers to students and People of Determination. Azza Al Suwaidi, Chief Operating Officer of Etihad Rail, stated that the consistent booking patterns suggest that rail travel is quickly becoming a “natural travel choice” for those moving between emirates. The network’s focus remains on providing a safe, reliable, and comfortable customer experience that competes directly with traditional transport modes.
Improving First and Last Mile Connectivity
To address the “first and last mile” challenge, Etihad Rail has partnered with Thrifty UAE to launch a new **”Rail to Road” car rental service**. This initiative allows passengers to secure rental vehicles directly at train stations, making onward travel seamless. Thrifty UAE has committed to an investment of over **AED 10 million** over the next five years, starting with a dedicated fleet of approximately **500 vehicles** to support this integration.
Future Network Expansion
Etihad Rail has outlined an ambitious schedule for the opening of new stations to enhance national connectivity. The upcoming phase includes:
* **September 30, 2026:** Dubai (Jumeirah Golf Estates) and Al Dhaid (Sharjah).
* **November 30, 2026:** Liwa and Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra region).
* **December 30, 2026:** Al Sila, Al Dhannah, and Al Mirfa.
* **March 30, 2027:** Sharjah (University City).
Once the network reaches full operational capacity, Etihad Rail projects it will serve **10 million passengers annually**, scaling up to a massive **36 million passengers per year by 2030**. This expansion signals a transformative period for regional mobility in the Middle East, setting a new benchmark for modern railway infrastructure.