Travel & Tourism

Inside UAE’s First Etihad Rail Station in Fujairah with Robot Guides

The UAE’s ambitious national railway project has reached a major milestone with the unveiling of the first passenger station by Etihad Rail in Fujairah, offering an early look at the future of rail travel in the country.

The futuristic station, visited by Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi along with senior leadership, features a sleek grey-and-cream interior, expansive glass panels, and abundant natural light, creating a modern and welcoming environment for passengers.

Smart Features and Robotic Assistance

One of the standout elements of the station is its advanced technology integration. A gold-and-black robotic guide equipped with a touchscreen welcomes visitors and provides travel information, highlighting the UAE’s push toward smart mobility solutions.

Passengers will also benefit from:

Automated ticket vending machines with digital and printed ticket options
QR code-based access for seamless platform entry
Smart barrier systems, similar to metro networks

Fast, Connected Travel Across Emirates

The station forms part of the broader Etihad Rail network, which will begin passenger operations in phases starting 2026.

In its first phase, the network will connect:

Abu Dhabi
Dubai
Fujairah

Once fully operational, it will link 11 major cities and regions, significantly improving inter-emirate connectivity.

Reduced Travel Times

The new rail system is expected to dramatically cut travel times:

Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: ~100 minutes (vs. over 2.5 hours by road)
Dubai to Abu Dhabi: ~57 minutes
Abu Dhabi to Ruwais: ~70 minutes

Trains will travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h and accommodate around 400 passengers, offering both business and economy class options with additional luggage space.

Boosting Economy and Tourism

During the visit, Sheikh Hamad highlighted that the station will:

Strengthen trade and logistics connectivity
Enhance tourism access to Fujairah’s natural attractions
Improve the quality of life for residents and visitors

As the UAE continues investing in smart infrastructure, the Etihad Rail project stands out as a transformative step toward a more connected, efficient, and sustainable transport future.