Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE's national railway network, has announced plans to launch its first passenger service between Abu Dhabi and the northern emirate of Fujairah on June 30. Journeys on this route will take one hour and 45 minutes, reported Wam citing senior authorities on Tuesday.
HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, inaugurated the Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station in Abu Dhabi.
The inaugural route on the network will take passengers from Abu Dhabi's Mohamed bin Zayed City station to the station in Al Hilal City. The Fujairah station was the first to be completed.
This will be followed by the opening of the Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station on September 30, followed by stations in Al Dhafra on December 30.
The entire route will be complete upon the opening of Sharjah Train Station on March 30 next year, said the Wam report.
Etihad Rail's passenger fleet comprises 13 trains, each with a capacity for 400 passengers and capable of reaching 200kph. Customers can book journeys and purchase tickets from today using platforms including the Etihad Rail app and its official website.
Etihad Rail said it will provide a shuttle bus service between the Mohamed bin Zayed City station and key locations in the capital.
As part of the next phase of the project, feasibility studies will be undertaken to evaluate the expansion of the passenger rail network to additional emirates, further advancing the UAE's vision of a fully integrated national transport system.
Following the opening, Sheikh Khaled toured the station’s key facilities and amenities and reviewed its information management systems and operational readiness procedures.
He was also briefed on the station’s advanced infrastructure, future plans to increase capacity, measures to facilitate passenger movement during peak hours, and the smart solutions and customer service offerings designed to deliver the highest standards of operational efficiency and service excellence, said the Wam report.
Sheikh Khaled affirmed that the passenger train project reflects the UAE’s vision for a fully integrated transport network, enhancing inter-emirate connectivity, supporting sustainable growth through the efficient movement of people and goods, and opening new horizons for investment, tourism and urban development.
"The project is a strategic investment that advances the Projects of the 50 by delivering world-class infrastructure, while enhancing the UAE’s comprehensive development journey and strengthening its long-term competitiveness and global standing," he noted.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of Etihad Rail, highlighted that the passenger rail network marks a transformative milestone in the development of the UAE’s national transport ecosystem by harnessing the latest technologies and innovations to deliver an advanced mobility system that provides a modern, safe and highly efficient travel experience.
The launch of the passenger rail network marks a new chapter in the UAE’s infrastructure development, extending beyond conventional transport to establish integrated urban and economic connectivity, linking population centres, economic hubs and tourism destinations across the country, he added.