The inaugural journey marked a milestone in the country's transport history, with the first train departing from Fujairah Station and arriving at Mohamed bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi amid celebrations.

Passenger rail services will expand from September 30, connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah. The network will further extend to stations in the Al Dhafra region on December 30, 2026, and to Sharjah on March 30, 2027, according to a report by Arab News.

Ahead of the launch, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, inaugurated the Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station in Abu Dhabi and unveiled the UAE's passenger rail network.

Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station will begin operations with the official network launch on September 30, 2026, followed by stations in the Al Dhafra region on December 30, 2026. The network will be fully operational with the opening of Sharjah Train Station on March 30, 2027, according to the Etihad Rail website.

Fares on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route will start at AED 55 for Comfort Class and AED 120 for Premium Class. The passenger rail fleet consists of 13 trains, each capable of carrying up to 400 passengers.

Passengers have been able to book tickets since June 23, 2026, through the Etihad Rail mobile application and the company's official website.