Etihad Rail’s inaugural passenger services between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi departed at 05:34 on 30 June, completing the 302-km journey in 1 hour 45 minutes and marking a new era for domestic mobility. All six inaugural services sold out, with more than 10,000 tickets booked through the rail operator’s website and mobile app. The network’s first phase links Fujairah Station to Mohammed bin Zayed City Station, where onward connections to buses, taxis and—eventually—Dubai Metro are planned through a partnership with the Integrated Transport Centre. Phase-two station launches in Dubai, Al Dhaid and Al Dhafra are scheduled between September 2026 and March 2027. Trains feature guaranteed seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets and a premium-class cabin. Base fares start at Dh75, undercutting average fuel and toll costs for the same trip by car. Logistics firms anticipate that the passenger line will spur demand for rail-connected warehousing, mirroring trends seen after the 2022 freight rollout. From a corporate-mobility perspective, the line offers a rail alternative for Abu Dhabi–Fujairah commuters and could reshape weekend travel patterns by reducing reliance on domestic flights and long car journeys. HR policies on mileage reimbursement and duty-travel routing may need updates as employees shift to rail. Tickets for July services remain available; a full refund is offered if cancellations are made 24 hours in advance. Etihad Rail has hinted at promotional discount codes once Phase Two opens, signalling aggressive ridership-building targets.
Source: Gulf News
