Etihad Rail passenger fines have been introduced for a wide range of offences, with penalties ranging from Dh100 to Dh10,000 depending on the severity of the violation. The new rules apply across passenger trains, stations and other railway facilities managed by Etihad Rail, and are designed to promote a safe, comfortable and orderly travel experience for everyone. Alongside the fines, the operator has also published detailed guidance covering ticketing, onboard behaviour, travelling with children and pets, and prohibited items.

The announcement comes after Etihad Rail launched its introductory passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, cutting travel time between the two emirates to around 105 minutes on trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 200km/h.

Etihad Rail passenger fines: What can you be fined for?

Most common offences carry a Dh200 fine. These include travelling without a valid ticket, failing to present a ticket during inspection, using another person’s ticket, littering, placing your feet on seats, occupying reserved seats without permission, travelling in the wrong class, refusing to follow staff instructions, carrying prohibited items, fare evasion, and remaining on platforms after being instructed to leave.

The same penalty also applies to passengers travelling while intoxicated, consuming alcohol where prohibited, or using altered or fraudulent tickets.

More serious violations attract a Dh500 fine. These include smoking or using electronic smoking devices in prohibited areas, abusive or threatening behaviour, harassment, spitting, tampering with train doors, opening doors while the train is moving, causing service delays, commercial photography or filming without approval, and boarding or leaving a moving train.

The highest listed penalty is Dh5,000, which applies to offences such as damaging emergency equipment, activating emergency systems without a genuine reason, misusing emergency exits, entering railway tracks or restricted areas without permission, throwing objects from or at trains, and vandalising trains or station property.

Etihad Rail also confirmed that any other unlisted offences may result in fines ranging from Dh100 to Dh10,000, depending on the nature and seriousness of the violation.

Passenger guidelines for tickets, children, pets and prohibited items

Passengers must hold a valid ticket before boarding, with tickets available online, through the mobile app, at station ticket machines, and, in limited cases, onboard from train staff.

Station ticket gates close two minutes before departure, so travellers are advised to arrive early. Those who leave the secure departure area after entering through the gates will need to purchase a new ticket to re-enter.

Children under 14 years old must travel with a responsible adult, while infants can travel free when seated on an accompanying adult’s lap, with one infant permitted per adult. Folded prams are allowed onboard if stored safely.

Household pets are permitted only in approved carriers that meet the required size limits, and they must remain inside the carrier throughout the journey. One pet carrier is allowed per passenger and counts towards the hand luggage allowance.

Passengers may bring food and non-alcoholic drinks onboard, although foods with strong odours are discouraged. Weapons, explosives, hazardous materials, narcotics, bicycles, scooters, oversized items that block walkways, and alcoholic beverages are among the prohibited items. Smoking and electronic smoking devices are also banned except in designated smoking areas where available.