Travelling on Etihad Rail? Before you board, it’s worth knowing the rules.
The UAE’s first intercity passenger railway has officially launched its Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route, with stops including Dubai, Sharjah and Al Dhaid. The service attracted huge public interest, with more than 10,000 tickets sold before the first journey, marking a major milestone for public transport in the UAE.
Alongside the launch, Etihad Rail has published a detailed Passenger Charter explaining how travellers are expected to behave on trains, at stations and across railway facilities.
To enforce these rules, Etihad Rail has introduced a system of fines ranging from Dh100 to Dh10,000, depending on the nature and seriousness of the violation.
How Etihad Rail’s Fine System Works
Etihad Rail has established an enforcement framework covering passenger conduct throughout its railway network.
Some important points to know:
- Authorised Etihad Rail personnel may issue fines for violations committed on trains, station platforms, ticketing areas, waiting lounges and other railway-controlled premises.
- Fines must be paid by the offender or their legal representative.
- Paying a fine does not prevent the matter from being referred to the Public Prosecution or other competent authorities. Certain violations may also result in additional legal action, including criminal penalties where applicable under UAE law.
Dh200 Fines: Minor Violations
The Dh200 category mainly covers ticketing violations and general passenger behaviour.
Examples include:
- Littering on trains or railway premises
- Placing feet on passenger seats
- Refusing to leave the platform after arriving at the destination when instructed
- Travelling without a valid ticket
- Fare evasion
- Using discounted or concession tickets without eligibility
- Occupying reserved seats without permission
- Carrying prohibited or restricted items contrary to the Passenger Charter
- Travelling in a higher class than shown on the ticket
- Failing to follow instructions from authorised Etihad Rail personnel
- Entering or remaining on trains or stations while intoxicated or otherwise unfit to travel
- Possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages where prohibited under the Passenger Charter
- Forging, altering or fraudulently modifying tickets
Dh500 Fines: Moderate Violations
These offences affect passenger comfort, safety or railway operations.
They include:
- Smoking, vaping or using electronic smoking devices in prohibited areas
- Disruptive, abusive, threatening or intimidating behaviour
- Harassment, verbal abuse, spitting or deliberately soiling trains or stations
- Preventing train doors from closing
- Opening or attempting to open train doors while the train is moving
- Causing delays to train services
- Possessing or using prohibited or controlled substances in breach of railway regulations (which may also constitute offences under UAE law)
- Carrying out unauthorised commercial photography, filming or recording
- Boarding or leaving a train while it is moving or between stations
Dh5,000 Fines: Serious Violations
These offences involve railway safety or damage to property.
They include:
- Tampering with or activating emergency equipment without valid reason, including emergency alarms, brakes and fire extinguishers
- Throwing objects inside, at or from trains or station platforms
- Damaging trains, railway property or station facilities, including graffiti and vandalism
- Trespassing on railway property
- False activation of emergency or communication systems
- Misusing emergency exits when there is no genuine emergency
Dh100 to Dh10,000: Other Violations
For violations not specifically listed in the Passenger Charter, Etihad Rail may impose fines ranging from Dh100 to Dh10,000, depending on the nature and seriousness of the offence and in accordance with its applicable regulations.
Prohibited Items on Etihad Rail
Passengers are not allowed to carry certain items on the railway network.
These include:
- Weapons of any kind
- Explosives and explosive materials
- Flammable or hazardous substances
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Alcoholic beverages where prohibited under the Passenger Charter
- Electronic smoking devices where prohibited
- Bicycles, scooters, electric scooters and electric bicycles unless specifically permitted by Etihad Rail
- Oversized luggage that blocks aisles, doors or emergency exits
Domestic pets are permitted only inside an approved size-compliant carrier and count towards the passenger’s hand luggage allowance. Foldable strollers are also allowed provided they are folded before boarding.
Quick Summary of Etihad Rail Fines
| Fine | Examples |
|---|---|
| Dh200 | Littering, feet on seats, travelling without a ticket, ticket misuse, travelling while intoxicated |
| Dh500 | Smoking, abusive behaviour, blocking doors, unauthorised commercial filming, causing delays |
| Dh5,000 | Tampering with emergency equipment, vandalism, throwing objects, trespassing |
| Dh100–Dh10,000 | Other violations depending on their seriousness |
Final Thoughts
Most of Etihad Rail’s passenger rules will be familiar to anyone who has travelled on the Dubai Metro or other public transport services. Passengers are expected to carry a valid ticket, follow staff instructions, avoid disruptive behaviour and treat railway property with care.
The safest approach is simple: travel with the correct ticket, comply with the Passenger Charter, avoid carrying prohibited items and respect fellow passengers. Doing so will help ensure a smooth and penalty-free journey.
Note: This article is based on Etihad Rail’s Passenger Charter and information available at the time of publication. As the passenger network expands, travellers should check Etihad Rail’s official channels for the latest rules, routes and updates before travelling.