Etihad Rail Launches Passenger Fines up to AED 10,000 in UAE

ABU DHABI, UAE – Etihad Rail has released its Passenger Charter ahead of the launch of its passenger services, setting out a fine schedule from 100 to 10,000 dirhams (approximately EUR 24–2,380) for violations. The charter, published before the first Abu Dhabi–Fujairah trip on 30 June, lists specific penalties for acts such as ticketless travel, smoking, and putting feet on seats.

What Is the Full Scope of This Case?

The Passenger Charter establishes a tiered penalty system covering 15 listed violations and a general category, with fines ranging from AED 100 (€24) for minor infractions to AED 10,000 (€2,380) for serious offences. Seven common violations attract a fixed fine of AED 200 (€48), including littering, putting feet on seats, travelling without a valid ticket, using a discounted ticket without authorisation, occupying a reserved seat without permission, and travelling in a higher class than ticketed. Smoking, vaping, disruptive behaviour, causing train delays, and carrying controlled substances each incur a fine of AED 500 (€119). More severe acts—blocking or tampering with doors, activating safety equipment without cause, damaging emergency alarms, or throwing objects at the train—carry fines of AED 5,000 (€1,190). Any other unspecified offence can be penalised at the discretion of Etihad Rail within the same 100–10,000 dirham range.

Key Case Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Cases?

The AED 200 (€48) fine for putting feet on seats mirrors the €50 penalty imposed by Dutch railway operator NS for the same offence (Source: NS, 2025). Etihad Rail’s delay compensation terms are more generous than the EU’s minimum passenger rights: a full refund is available after a 30-minute departure delay, whereas Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 mandates 25% refund only after 60–119 minutes and 50% after 120 minutes or more (Source: European Commission, 2023). Within the Gulf, Dubai Metro already enforces fines of AED 100 for eating or drinking and AED 200 for smoking, comparable to the lower-tier Etihad Rail fines, but Etihad’s charter introduces explicit fines for nuisance behaviour such as feet on seats that are not separately codified by Dubai Metro (Source: RTA Dubai, 2022). The Passenger Charter did not publicly disclose the full list of prohibited and restricted items that could trigger fines, leaving ambiguity over what may be refused.

Editor’s Analysis

Etihad Rail’s detailed penalty catalogue signals an intent to match the predictability of European rail regulations while introducing Gulf-specific behavioural rules that go beyond existing metro systems. By offering refunds for delays as short as 30 minutes, Etihad Rail positions its passenger service competitively against airlines on the same corridor, where compensation thresholds are often less favourable. This approach aligns with a broader GCC trend—reflected in Emirates airline’s cabin etiquette campaigns—toward formalising passenger conduct in a region where public transport etiquette norms are still evolving.

FAQ

Q: What is the fine for putting your feet on a seat on an Etihad Rail train?
A: Putting feet on a seat incurs a fine of 200 dirhams (approximately EUR 48).

Q: How much is the fine for smoking or vaping on Etihad Rail trains?
A: Smoking, vaping, or inhaling any substance in prohibited areas is fined 500 dirhams (about EUR 119).

Q: What compensation do passengers receive if an Etihad Rail train is delayed?
A: If a train’s departure is delayed by 30 minutes or more, passengers can cancel their trip and choose between rebooking onto another service or receiving a full refund. For cancellations, rebooking or alternative transport is offered.