The UAE marked a historic transport milestone as Etihad Rail’s first passenger train journey connected Fujairah to Abu Dhabi, cutting travel times and launching a new era of national connectivity.
WEBDESK – SHARJAH NEWS
The UAE on Tuesday officially launched its long-awaited national passenger rail service as the first Etihad Rail train departed Fujairah and arrived in Abu Dhabi, marking a historical moment in the country’s transport sector.
The inaugural passenger service left Fujairah’s Al Hilal City station at 5:34 am and reached Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed City station shortly after 7 am, arriving a few minutes ahead of schedule.
Hundreds of passengers joined the landmark journey, celebrating what officials described as the beginning of a new era of connectivity across the Emirates. Festivities at Fujairah station began early in the morning with traditional Emirati performances, Arabic coffee, cookies, and entertainment for travelers.
Emirati passenger Noha Alnaqbi said securing a seat on the first train was a proud moment for the country. “It’s not just the happiness of one person or one family. It’s the happiness of a nation,” she said.
The high-speed passenger service reduces travel time between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi to around one hour and 45 minutes, nearly an hour faster than traveling by road. Passengers also experienced scenic views through the UAE’s mountainous terrain during the journey.
Etihad Rail’s passenger fleet currently includes 13 trains, each capable of carrying up to 400 passengers. The trains can operate at speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, while future ultra-fast services between Abu Dhabi and Dubai are expected to reach speeds of 350kph.
The launch is part of the UAE’s wider national railway network, which will eventually connect 11 cities and regions across the country, stretching from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east.
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Etihad Rail confirmed that Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf Estates station and Sharjah’s Al Dhaid station will open on September 30 this year. Five stations in Al Dhafra are scheduled to begin operations on December 30, while Sharjah’s University City station is expected to open in March 2027.
To mark the launch, Etihad Rail introduced a 50 percent promotional discount on Abu Dhabi-Fujairah tickets. Comfort Class fares start at Dh55, while Premium Class tickets cost Dh120.
The stations feature cafes, restaurants, and retail outlets, while onboard dining services are also available for passengers.
Officials said the rail network will play a key role in reducing road traffic, supporting environmental sustainability, boosting tourism, and encouraging economic investment and urban development across the UAE.
Passenger numbers on the Etihad Rail network are projected to reach 36 million annually by 2030.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, described the railway as a strategic national investment that would strengthen connectivity between the emirates and reinforce the UAE’s global standing as a leader in modern infrastructure and transport.
