Etihad Rail begins historic UAE passenger journey
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Etihad Rail's first passenger service has departed Fujairah for Abu Dhabi, marking a historic step in the UAE's national rail ambitions and reducing inter-emirate travel times.
Etihad Rail has officially launched passenger operations on the UAE’s national rail network, with its first service departing Al Hilal City station in Fujairah at 5:34am on Tuesday and arriving at Mohamed bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi at 7am. The milestone marks the start of passenger rail services in the UAE, with future journeys between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi expected to take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The service significantly reduces travel time compared to road journeys while offering a scenic route through the country’s mountainous landscapes.
First passengers on board
Hundreds of passengers were on board the inaugural journey, with many describing the experience as a historic and emotional moment.
According to The National, Emirati passenger Noha Alnaqbi, originally from Khor Fakkan, secured her ticket through the Etihad Rail app and said she felt proud to be among the first travellers, describing the launch as “the happiness of a nation”.
Khaleej Times reported that Hamad Mansoor Al Balooshi, a Fujairah resident and person of determination, occupied Carriage 1, Seat 1. He was selected through Etihad Rail’s nationwide campaign, “The Passenger Who Represents Us All”, which recognises individuals who have contributed positively to their communities.
Al Balooshi, who works at Sheikh Khalifa Hospital and is actively involved in volunteer work, said he was honoured and surprised to be part of the historic journey.
A national celebration
The launch was marked by early morning celebrations at Fujairah station, where festivities began at 5am. Passengers were welcomed with traditional Emirati hospitality, including Arabic coffee and refreshments, alongside cultural performances.
The atmosphere highlighted the national significance of the project, with the first journey positioned as a landmark moment in the UAE’s transport development.
Trains, stations and ticket prices
Etihad Rail’s passenger fleet currently includes 13 trains, each capable of carrying more than 400 passengers and operating at speeds of up to 200 km/h.
Stations are equipped with modern amenities such as cafes, retail outlets and waiting areas, while onboard services include food and beverage options.
For the launch phase, Etihad Rail is offering a 50 per cent introductory discount, with fares set at Dh55 for Comfort Class and Dh120 for Premium Class on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route.
More stations to follow
The initial route forms part of a wider rollout plan for the UAE’s passenger rail network. A total of 10 stations are expected to be operational by March next year.
Upcoming openings include Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai and Al Dhaid in Sharjah on September 30, followed by additional stations in Al Dhafra in December, and University City in Sharjah by March.
Why Etihad Rail matters
Etihad Rail is one of the UAE’s largest infrastructure projects, aimed at improving connectivity between emirates, reducing road congestion and supporting environmental sustainability goals.
The network is also expected to contribute to economic growth, tourism and urban development, with passenger numbers projected to reach 36 million annually by 2030.
