AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)

With many UAE residents set to experience passenger rail travel for the first time, Etihad Rail is working to keep the public on track with the safety awareness needed for the country’s all-new mode of transport.

Etihad Rail’s passenger trains will start getting commuters on board as early as June 30, launching an introductory operational phase that will connect Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in just 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The stations in Dubai, Al Dhaid, Al Dhafra and Sharjah are set to open in phases between September 2026 and March 2027.

Ahead of the highly anticipated launch, Etihad Rail Mobility has stepped up public awareness efforts, familiarising residents with the basics of railway travel — from safe behaviour around tracks and crossings to what passengers can expect when using the network.

Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial and Support at Etihad Rail Mobility, said the priority is to help people feel “confident, comfortable and informed” from day one.

“The focus is on simple, practical guidance that makes travelling by rail feel intuitive and easy to understand, regardless of where people live or how familiar they are with railway systems,” he told Aletihad.

For this campaign, the team has deliberately moved away from a warning-heavy approach, focusing instead on relatable, easy-to-understand dos and don’ts.

Almansoori noted that research has consistently shown that many incidents occur not because people intentionally take risks, but because they are “distracted, in a hurry or simply not paying attention.”

“That is why our campaign focuses on positive everyday behaviours that help protect everyone,” he said.

“Safety is not only about following rules; it is about consideration for the people around us.”

The message is simple, he added, “safety is care”.

The Dos and Don’ts
Rail travel is not rocket science, and the most important behaviours expected from the public are simple ones.

Small actions can make a difference, Almansoori said. “Looking out for others, staying aware of your surroundings and following simple guidance helps create a safer and more enjoyable journey for everyone.”

Highlighting some of the golden rules, he said passengers must stand back from platform edges while waiting for trains. Then, once a train arrives, riders should allow others to disembark before boarding. Across stations and on board, signage and safety reminders are clearly displayed and must be followed.

“For motorists and the wider public, [safety] means respecting railway infrastructure and never entering restricted areas,” he added.

A World-Class System
Behind the scenes, Etihad Rail’s system is powered by advanced technologies that bolster its safety framework.

“Safety starts with the design of the railway itself. In short, smart design helps ensure a smart approach to safety from day one,” Almansoori said.

The network, for example, is equipped with one of the world’s most advanced train control systems — the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2. Modern operating procedures, continuous monitoring and extensive precautionary measures across stations and trains will all be running like clockwork.

Another aspect of Etihad Rail’s safety campaign lays the tracks for a future where passenger trains become part of everyday life, placing strong emphasis on youth awareness.

“By engaging schools, universities, and community organisation, we can help make safe behaviours around railways feel natural and instinctive from a young age,” he added.

Supporting the youth in this space, he said, is “an important long-term investment”.
“It is about helping create a generation of confident, responsible rail users for decades to come.”