Etihad Rail’s Spectacular Light Shows Mark New Era of UAE Travel
The UAE is celebrating the official launch of its landmark passenger rail network with a series of breathtaking laser and light displays across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. These vibrant shows, which illuminate the night sky from 7pm to 1am, serve as a grand welcome to the country's new rail era. Residents hoping to catch the spectacle have one final opportunity to see the displays tonight, Friday, October 2. The rail network, which officially began operations on September 30, 2026, was inaugurated by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marking a major milestone in the nation's public transport infrastructure.
This ambitious project is being rolled out in phases to eventually connect 11 cities and regions across all seven emirates. Currently, the service links Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid, and Fujairah, with a travel time of just one hour and 45 minutes between the capital and the east coast. The new Dubai station is particularly well-connected, featuring a convenient 400-meter pedestrian footbridge that links directly to the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station. With ticket prices starting at Dh55 for Comfort Class and Dh120 for Premium, the service offers a modern, efficient alternative to road travel. Future expansions are already on the horizon, with additional stations in the Al Dhafra region and Sharjah expected to join the network in late 2026 and early 2027.