Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, has hailed Etihad Rail's first passenger train journey as a milestone for the country.
The first train set off from Fujairah's Al Hilal City for Abu Dhabi at 5.34am on Tuesday to mark the beginning of the national passenger rail network.
The project is a reflection of the UAE's ambition to build world-class infrastructure, Sheikh Mansour wrote on X.
“Since the formation of the Union, connecting people to place has been a fundamental goal in the journey of development, and today, the Union Railway passenger train embodies this vision, linking the cities of the country, shortening time, and enhancing opportunities for growth and development,” wrote Sheikh Mansour.
“With the launch of the train's first journey today, June 30, 2026, we celebrate a new national achievement added to the UAE's march towards the future, reflecting its ambition to build world-class infrastructure that connects the homeland and supports its prosperity.”
The train, carrying hundreds of passengers, arrived at Mohamed bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi at 7am, about 20 minutes ahead of schedule.
The Etihad Rail network is set to expand in the coming months, with 10 stations to open by the end of March next year.
Emirati Hamad Mansour Albloushi, who became Etihad Rail's first passenger, described the experience as a “privilege I'll never forget”.
Mr Albloushi was seated in Seat 1, Coach 1 of the train to mark the launch of the highly anticipated national rail network.
He was selected from nominations submitted by the public after Etihad Rail launched a nationwide campaign to find “the passenger who represents us all”.
“When I sat down in Seat 1, Coach 1, it struck me that this wasn't just my journey, it was the beginning of millions of journeys that will follow. It's a privilege I'll never forget,” Mr Albloushi said.
There were hundreds of other passengers also taking part in the historic train ride on Tuesday morning.
“My siblings encouraged me to go on the train. They said it was opening on June 30, but I was sure it would be fully booked,” said Emirati passenger Noha Alnaqbi, who purchased a ticket through the Etihad Rail app.
Originally from Khor Fakkan, Ms Alnaqbi said she felt pride and excitement to be among the first passengers. “It's not just the happiness of one person or one family. It's the happiness of a nation," she said.
There were festivities to mark the occasion at the Fujairah station from 5am with a traditional Emirati men's dance. Passengers were offered Arabic coffee, cookies and Barakat’s Ghaf wellness shots.
