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 at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai and Al Dhaid in Sharjah are scheduled to open on September 30 as part of an expansion of the country's largest infrastructure initiative.
Five stations in Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi – in Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Mirfa, Madinat Zayed and Liwa – will open on December 30, with Sharjah's University City station to begin operations on March 30 next year.
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 on Tuesday.
Ticket prices revealed
Fares on the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route start at Dh55 ($15) for Comfort Class and Dh120 for Premium Class.
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Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of Etihad Rail, at the passenger station in Mohamed bin Zayed City. All photos: Wam -
The Etihad Rail Station in Abu Dhabi will be part of the passenger network set to open on September 30 -
Sheikh Khaled and Sheikh Theyab also witnessed the unveiling of the UAE passenger rail network -
Sheikh Khaled and Sheikh Theyab tour the facilities and amenities at the Mohamed bin Zayed city station -
Sheikh Khaled has said the passenger rail project reflects the UAE’s vision for a fully integrated transport network -
The leaders were briefed on the station’s advanced infrastructure and plans to increase its capacity in the future -
Sheikh Theyab has said the passenger rail network marks a transformative milestone in the development of the country's transport systems -
Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, with senior officials onboard one of the Etihad Rail trains -
Sheikh Khaled has said the rail network strengthens the UAE's long-term competitiveness and global standing
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 to make it easy for passengers to continue their journey by car, public transport or taxi.
Etihad Rail's passenger fleet comprises 13 trains, each with a capacity for 400 passengers and capable of reaching 200kph. Customers can 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.
The wider Etihad Rail passenger network will eventually stretch across the country and is expected to span 900km.
Getting to the station
Etihad Rail will provide a shuttle bus service between the Mohamed bin Zayed City station and key locations in the capital.
The shuttle services will be available from Adnoc headquarters in Corniche Road West, Adnec Centre in Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, and Reem Mall on Reem Island.
The shuttle buses, for Dh10, can be booked through Etihad Rail's website and app.
Rail plans take shape
Passenger services will be operated by Etihad Rail in partnership with Keolis, a leading passenger transport operator. 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 on board 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.
