The UAE’s highly anticipated national passenger rail network has officially launched, marking a major milestone with over 10,000 tickets sold even before the inaugural journey took place. The first train departed from Fujairah at 5:34 am and successfully arrived at Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed city station ahead of schedule. With six services running today, the network has seen immediate demand, as most trips scheduled for the coming days are already fully booked.

To ensure a smooth experience for commuters, Etihad Rail is collaborating with the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) to link the rail system with the broader public transport network. This integration allows passengers to seamlessly connect to buses, taxis, and other transit options, creating a unified travel experience. Azza Alsuwaidi, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Rail, emphasized that this service is more than just transportation; it is a shift in how residents view living and working in the country, effectively turning a grand national vision into a vital part of daily life.