Etihad Rail allows pets on board its new passenger service, giving travellers the option to bring domestic animals along under clearly defined conditions. The announcement comes ahead of the launch of the UAE’s first national passenger rail service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, marking a major milestone in the country’s transport network.
While pets are permitted, the operator has also confirmed restrictions on several common items, including bicycles, e-scooters and e-bikes, which will not be allowed on board. The guidelines are part of a wider set of travel rules designed to ensure safety, comfort and smooth operations as the service begins.
Pet Travel Rules and Onboard Conditions
Passengers are allowed to travel with domestic pets, including dogs and falcons, as long as they are placed in an approved carrier. The carrier must not exceed 55cm x 40cm x 23cm in size.
Each pet carrier will be counted as part of the passenger’s standard cabin baggage allowance. This means travellers cannot bring an additional carry-on bag if they are carrying a pet. Only one pet carrier is permitted per passenger, and pets must remain inside the carrier for the entire journey.
Assistance dogs that are trained and certified will also be allowed on board. However, these must be booked in advance through the Etihad Rail Contact Centre to ensure proper arrangements are in place.
Families travelling with young children will be allowed to carry one folded pushchair per child free of charge. Passengers are also encouraged to wrap pushchairs to protect them during travel.
Wheelchair users and passengers requiring mobility support will be accommodated, although only electric wheelchairs with manufacturer-installed batteries will be accepted. Dedicated wheelchair spaces must be reserved at the time of booking.
Items Not Allowed on Etihad Rail
In addition to its pet-friendly policy, Etihad Rail has confirmed that bicycles, e-scooters and e-bikes are strictly prohibited on passenger services. Travellers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly if they rely on such transport for last-mile connectivity.
The inaugural passenger route connects Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, with trains reaching speeds of up to 200km/h. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, offering a faster and more convenient way to travel between the two emirates. This launch represents the first phase of Etihad Rail’s wider passenger network, which will eventually link 11 cities and regions across the UAE, reshaping intercity travel in the country.
