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UAE passengers thrilled by first national train service
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Energy & Infrastructure

UAE passengers thrilled by first national train service

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The United Arab Emirates launched its first national passenger train service, connecting 11 cities across the country.
  • The inaugural journey traveled 250 kilometers from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi in 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Etihad Rail has sold over 10,000 tickets, with further expansion planned later this year.

Hundreds of excited passengers boarded the United Arab Emirates' first national passenger train service as it commenced commercial operations for its initial phase. The new network aims to connect 11 cities throughout the UAE, marking a significant milestone in the nation's transportation infrastructure.

The inaugural service departed from Fujairah, located on the Gulf of Oman, embarking on a 250-kilometer journey to the Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi. The trip took approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Etihad Rail confirmed that over 10,000 tickets were sold in anticipation of the official launch.

We were able to enjoy views that are usually not seen from the road. There are some locations that cannot be seen when traveling by car.

— Gunjan ChaurasiaA passenger describing the unique experience of traveling by the new UAE national train.

"We were able to enjoy views that are usually not seen from the road. There are some locations that cannot be seen when traveling by car," said passenger Gunjan Chaurasia, 42, who drove over 100 kilometers from Dubai to Fujairah to be among the first to experience the service.

While the UAE is renowned for modern marvels like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai's busy international airport, the arrival of a passenger rail service is a novel development for the Gulf region. Etihad Rail's service is the second inter-city passenger rail service in the region, following Saudi Arabia Railways in Saudi Arabia.

The first departure from Fujairah is a moment where national vision turns into a part of everyday life, providing people with a new way to connect with each other, opening up new opportunities, and bringing them closer to unique locations in the country.

— Azza AlsuwaidiEtihad Rail's Chief Operating Officer on the significance of the train service launch.

Azza Alsuwaidi, Chief Operating Officer of Etihad Rail, described the launch as a historic moment for the UAE. "The first departure from Fujairah is a moment where national vision turns into a part of everyday life, providing people with a new way to connect with each other, opening up new opportunities, and bringing them closer to unique locations in the country," she stated. "Years from now, today's passengers will surely be proud to say they were here when it all began."

The network is slated for further expansion later this year with the planned opening of the Dubai Railway Station and Al Dhaid Railway Station on September 30, followed by stations in Al Dhafra. Etihad Rail anticipates the entire route will be fully operational by the end of March next year with the opening of the Sharjah stations.

Years from now, today's passengers will surely be proud to say they were here when it all began.

— Azza AlsuwaidiEtihad Rail's Chief Operating Officer reflecting on the historical importance of the inaugural train journey.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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