Imagine traveling at 200 km/h, bypassing heavy traffic, and completing the trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in just 57 minutes instead of the usual two hours. This is set to become a reality as Etihad Rail announces the travel times for its passenger trains, linking the capital with other emirates.
Etihad Rail has revealed the journey durations across the UAE, including a 70-minute trip from Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais, which is 240 km away. Additionally, the journey from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will take only 105 minutes. More destinations and travel schedules are expected to be announced soon.
The state-of-the-art passenger rail service will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, spanning from Al Sila to Fujairah, and include stops in Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. Two passenger station locations have been confirmed so far: Sakamkam in Fujairah and University City in Sharjah.
Etihad Rail is preparing for the launch of its passenger services, with further announcements expected in the coming months. Although a launch date has yet to be confirmed, once operational, the service is expected to handle around 36.5 million passengers annually. Residents got their first look at the passenger trains during a test run between Abu Dhabi and Al Dhannah in January 2024, with videos showing the sleek train cruising through desert landscapes.
Passenger Train Interiors
The UAE’s high-tech passenger trains boast sleek interiors with modern, grey seating. The aerodynamic design, typical of high-speed trains, enhances the overall passenger experience. Inside, the silver and grey coaches feature various seating classes, similar to those found in airplanes, with a 2+2 seating arrangement. Electric doors separate the compartments, and each section is equipped with TV screens displaying real-time information like location and arrival times.
The train will feature 15 luxurious carriages, passing through both urban hubs like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and natural landmarks such as Fujairah’s towering mountains near the Oman border, and the iconic Liwa Desert near the Mezeiraa station.
The UAE Rail Project
Launched in December 2021, the UAE’s Dh50 billion Railways Programme is the largest integrated transport system in the country, connecting key cities and regions. It includes three main projects: Freight Rail, Passenger Rail Services, and the Integrated Transportation Service. By 2030, the programme is expected to generate more than 9,000 jobs in the rail and related sectors.
The railway’s freight transport service, already operational since 2023, has been running on a modern fleet of 38 locomotives capable of carrying 60 million tons of goods annually. More than 1,000 multi-purpose freight cars are in use, supporting the nation’s logistics.
Etihad Rail recently unveiled its new brand identity, which includes a redesigned logo symbolizing the precision and speed of a falcon. This sleek, modern logo underscores the company’s ambition and long-term vision for the future of UAE rail transport.
Source : khaleejtimes.com
Join The Discussion