Etihad Rail is to launch its first passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30, in a milestone moment for the eagerly awaited public transport project.
Journeys on the route are to take one hour and 45 minutes, authorities said on Tuesday. Train stations in Dubai's Jumeirah Golf Estates and Al Dhaid are scheduled to open on September 30 as part of an expansion of the country's largest infrastructure initiative.
Al Dhafra train station is to open to the public on December 30, with Sharjah's University City station to begin operations on March 30.
The long-awaited start date of passenger services was announced as Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, inaugurated the Mohamed bin Zayed City passenger station in the emirate on Tuesday.
Ticket prices revealed
Fares on the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route are to start at Dh55 ($15) for Comfort Class and Dh120 for Premium Class.
The inaugural route on the network will take passengers from Abu Dhabi's Mohamed bin Zayed City station to the station in Al Hilal City. The Fujairah station was the first to be completed.
It is 12 minutes by car from Fujairah International Airport, five minutes from Sakamkam Fort and six minutes from the popular Umbrella Beach.
A vast tract of land surrounding the station is expected to eventually become a major residential district. The station has been built so that it is easy for passengers to travel on by car, public transport or taxi.
The Etihad Rail passenger fleet comprises 13 trains, each with a capacity for 400 passengers. Customers are able to book journeys and purchase tickets from today using platforms including the Etihad Rail app and its official website.
Etihad Rail said in January that the first services would connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah in the network's opening phase. Passengers can expect frequent trains on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai line, with the route to Fujairah bolstering tourism and access to the east coast.
Mapping out future of transport
The wider Etihad Rail passenger network will eventually stretch across the country and is expected to span 900km.
The Etihad Rail website lists 10 stations on the network, including the five stations that will open to the public by March.
The remaining five stations - for which launch dates are still to be announced - are located in Al Dhanna, Al Sila, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed and Liwa.
Rail plans take shape
Passenger services will be operated by Etihad Rail in partnership with Keolis, one of the world's leading passenger transport operators. Passenger numbers across the network are expected to reach 36 million by 2030, helping to keep people on the move between the emirates while taking cars off the roads to further environmental goals.
Keolis, often through joint ventures, is involved in operating and maintaining metro and regional rail networks globally such as Dubai Metro, the Valleilijn regional service in the Netherlands, and the Docklands Light Railway in London.
The UAE's new train stations will feature amenities, including cafes, restaurants and retail outlets. Dining options will also be available onboard passenger trains.
Full speed ahead for new era of transport
Sheikh Khaled said the start of passenger services reflected the country's efforts to develop a fully integrated transport network to strengthen connectivity between the emirates and spur investment, tourism and urban development.
The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince hailed the major initiative as a strategic investment primed to advance the UAE's development journey and bolster its global standing.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of Etihad Rail, said the passenger network would provide a modern and efficient travel experience and help to keep pace with the needs of the public.
