Etihad Rail has published its Passenger Charter for the new rail services in the United Arab Emirates. The document sets out travel rules, security checks, and fines ranging from approximately EUR 24 to EUR 2,400 for violations of the rules. Among the offenses subject to fines is putting one’s feet on a seat, which carries a fine of nearly EUR 50.

Etihad Rail, the company that develops and operates the national rail network in the United Arab Emirates, has published the rules applicable to passengers on the new rail services.

The Passenger Charter sets out both passengers’ rights and their obligations on trains, at stations, and in related areas. The document explains the situations in which a passenger may be denied transportation, removed from the train or the platform, fined, or reported to the authorities.

The new rules come amid the launch of Etihad Rail’s passenger services, including on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route, where public interest has been high. According to Emirati media, over 10,000 tickets were sold ahead of the first trip on June 30.

Etihad Rail has also published a list of penalties for passengers who violate travel rules. Fines range from 100 to 10,000 dirhams (approximately EUR 24–2,380), depending on the severity of the offense.

For most common violations, the fine is 200 dirhams (approximately EUR 48). These include littering in prohibited areas, putting feet on seats, traveling without a valid ticket, using a discounted ticket without authorization, occupying a reserved seat without permission, or traveling in a higher class than the one indicated on the ticket.

Passengers who refuse to leave the platform at the arrival station, fail to follow instructions from Etihad Rail staff, or carry prohibited or restricted items may also be fined 200 dirhams (approximately EUR 48).

The rules also apply to tickets. Passengers must have a valid ticket before boarding. A ticket is considered valid only if it includes the correct date, time, and name, has not been used previously, and corresponds to the trip for which it is presented.

A higher category of fines, amounting to 500 dirhams (approximately EUR 119), applies to smoking, inhaling, or vaping in prohibited areas, including on trains and at stations.

The same fine applies to disruptive, offensive, abusive, threatening, or intimidating behavior. The list includes excessive noise, harassment, verbal abuse, threats, littering on the train or at the station, and spitting.

Also subject to a fine of 500 dirhams (approximately EUR 119) are acts that cause train delays, attempting to board or exit while the train is in motion, possession or trafficking of controlled substances, and commercial filming or photography without written authorization from Etihad Rail.

Fines increase to 5,000 dirhams (approximately EUR 1,190) for offenses considered more serious.

These include blocking or interfering with train doors, opening or attempting to open doors while the train is in motion or at a station, as well as activating safety equipment without cause.

Also covered are the damage to or tampering with emergency alarms, emergency brakes, or fire extinguishers; throwing objects onto, from, or toward the train; unauthorized entry onto railway property; the unjustified use of emergency exits; and damage to trains or station property.

For other unspecified offenses committed on trains, at stations, or in related areas, the fine may range from 100 to 10,000 dirhams (approximately EUR 24–2,380), depending on the severity and at the discretion of Etihad Rail.

The Passenger Charter stipulates that Etihad Rail may refuse transportation, interrupt a passenger’s journey, suspend or deny their access to services, and notify the relevant authorities.

These measures may be applied when a passenger violates the rules and refuses to cease the prohibited behavior or to leave the train or the premises upon request by authorized staff.

Before removing a passenger, staff must explain the nature of the violation. However, the passenger will not automatically be entitled to a refund or compensation if transportation is denied due to a violation of the rules.

Situations that may lead to denial of service or removal from the train include refusing to undergo a security check, failure to follow staff instructions, aggressive, abusive, or threatening behavior, disturbing the comfort of other passengers, tampering with safety equipment, and carrying prohibited items.

Etihad Rail states that it may conduct random security checks at stations to ensure passenger safety.

Passengers and their luggage may be screened before boarding or inside the stations. Any item deemed a safety or security risk may be prohibited from transport and, if necessary, reported to the authorities.

The company emphasizes that passengers must cooperate with security personnel, present their tickets or travel documents upon request, and follow the instructions of station and onboard staff.

The Passenger Charter also includes rules for situations where travel is affected by delays or cancellations.

Etihad Rail promises priority updates, travel assistance, and fair solutions for affected passengers. Information will be provided via email, SMS, WhatsApp, station screens, onboard displays, and public announcements.

If a train’s departure is delayed by 30 minutes or more, passengers have the right to cancel their trip and may choose between rebooking onto another service or receiving a full refund of their ticket.

In the event of a train cancellation, passengers will be offered the option to rebook onto another train service or to use alternative transportation arrangements.

If the disruption occurs after boarding, Etihad Rail says it will attempt to transport passengers to their final destination by train at no additional cost or provide an alternative solution.