Etihad Rail has opened its first passenger route between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, marking a milestone for the UAE’s rail network.
Passenger Rail Service Begins
Tickets for the inaugural service were available from 23 June, and within two days 5,000 passengers had booked seats on the three journeys scheduled for 30 June. All seats sold out, and the service will now run from 1 July, allowing residents to travel by train across the emirate.
The national rail network will open in stages. Dubai and Al Dhaid stations will open on 30 September 2026, followed by Al Dhafra stations on 30 December 2026. The final link, Sharjah station, is slated for 30 March 2027, completing the network.
Passport Fees and New Service Centre
Indian expatriates in the UAE will see passport application fees increase by up to 75% from 1 July, under new rules issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The fee hike applies globally, and local missions will soon publish the exact dirham amounts.
At the same time, a new unified platform called the Indian Consular Application Centres (ICAC) will launch. Alhind Tours and Travels LLC will take over all passport, visa, and document attestation services, replacing previous providers. The centre offers a single platform for renewals, OCI cards, visa applications, police clearance certificates, and attestations, with a flat fee of Dh19 per transaction and a target processing time of 30 minutes.
In addition, schools across the UAE will close for summer break, allowing students and families to enjoy the holiday season.
Frequently asked questions
When did Etihad Rail start its Abu Dhabi to Fujairah service?
Etihad Rail's first passenger route between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah launched on 1 July 2024, following a sold-out inaugural service on 30 June.
What is the timeline for Etihad Rail's full network completion?
The UAE’s Etihad Rail network will fully open by March 2027, with Dubai and Al Dhaid stations opening in September 2026, Al Dhafra by December 2026, and Sharjah finalizing the network.
How much have Indian passport fees increased in the UAE?
Indian passport application fees in the UAE rose by 75% starting 1 July 2024, with exact amounts in dirhams to be set by local missions.
Where can Indian expats apply for passports in the UAE?
Indian expatriates in the UAE can now use the Indian Consular Application Centres (ICAC), operated by Alhind Tours and Travels, offering services like renewals and visas for Dh19 per transaction.
When do UAE schools close for summer 2024?
UAE schools closed for summer 2024 in mid-July, aligning with the national holiday season as Etihad Rail’s new service began.
