The UAE launches its first passenger train

Etihad Rail has launched its first passenger service, with the first train travelling from Abu Dhabi to the Al Danna region. The route is intended for workers of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.

The trip was attended by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

During the visit, the Minister was given a tour of ADNOC's global refining and petrochemical hub in Al Ruwais Industrial City offroadadventurefun.com, where he received an update on the strategic growth projects at Borouge 4, ADNOC Refining and the Ruwais LNG project.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber noted that the partnership between ADNOC and Etihad Rail is fully in line with the strategic priorities of successfully delivering transport solutions that contribute to the development and future prosperity of the UAE.

He said the Etihad Rail project is more than just a rail network, it will serve as a vital artery for economic growth and infrastructure development, while driving decarbonisation for the benefit of the people of the UAE.

In May 2023, Etihad Rail, the construction of which was completed in February 2023, was launched into commercial operation. Freight transportation is carried out at full capacity. The train allows the transportation of all types of cargo.

The 900 km long railway connected all regions of the UAE, as well as 4 sea ports and logistics centers, with a single network. During construction, 593 bridges were built and six tunnels were dug. The railway tracks also passed through the rocky mountains of Fujairah.

According to previously announced plans, the rail network will eventually connect the UAE to the rest of the Gulf. Passenger service is planned to begin. Passenger trains are expected to travel at 200 kilometers per hour and carry about 400 people at a time.

The passenger railway will connect 11 cities and towns in the UAE and will carry millions of passengers by 2030. The first passenger station will be located on the east coast, in the emirate of Fujairah.

Passengers will be able to get from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi in 100 minutes, from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 50 minutes, and from Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais in 70 minutes. Passenger trains will stop in the cities of Al Mirfa, Al Dhaid, Sharjah, Dubai, and others.

The trains will offer a range of amenities and entertainment, including infotainment systems, mobile device charging stations, snacks and beverages, advanced air conditioning and comfortable seating in First, Business and Economy Class.