Dubai's much-anticipated Etihad Rail passenger service has completed its maiden journey, in the latest milestone moment for the UAE's growing public transport network.
The National joined passengers aboard the 6.14am train from Al Yalayis Station, next to Jumeirah Golf Estates, en route to Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
The train departed on time from Dubai, with enthusiastic travellers greeted to a spectacular desert sunrise and a smooth ride.
On the train journey, bespoke chocolates were served, along with a drink of choice like orange juice, water, or tea. A paratha omelette box was also served as a breakfast, complimentary for passengers.
The launch of the Dubai line - coming three months after the inaugural Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route opened to the public - is a significant step in the nation's long-term drive to better connect the Emirates, spur economic growth and encourage motorists to switch roads for rail on their daily commute.
The first Dubai route on the Etihad Rail network is poised to serve as a key commuter link, connecting the emirate to Abu Dhabi and to Fujairah.
President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, had attended the launch of Etihad Rail's station in Dubai on Monday.
The new station has direct access to the existing Dubai Metro Red Line through a 400-metre-long elevated pedestrian walkway. When the Gold Metro Line opens in 2032, the stop will become an interchange between the two lines.
President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, had attended the launch of Etihad Rail's station in Dubai on Monday.
The new station has direct access to the existing Dubai Metro Red Line through a 400-metre-long elevated pedestrian walkway. When the Gold Metro Line opens in 2032, the stop will become an interchange between the two lines.
The Dubai-Abu Dhabi service will connect Al Yalayis Station with Mohamed bin Zayed Station in Abu Dhabi. Tickets are priced at Dh39 ($10.60) for “comfort” class, and Dh109 for “premium”, with the journey expected to take about 64 minutes.
Passengers travelling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi will have ten trains operating between the two cities, with five in each direction.
Joy for first passengers
Patrik Ondricek, a Czech student in Dubai, was among the first passengers to jump aboard for an historic journey to the capital - and brought along his grandmother for the ride.
"I'm a huge travel enthusiast and a huge train fan, and seeing the infrastructure built here is truly amazing and being part of the first service to Abu Dhabi is also great, and I love the two cities and seeing them connected like this," he told The National.
His excitement was palpable as he counted down the minutes to the train departure.
"My grandma is here visiting me this week, which I'm very happy about, and by coincidence, the first train is also going, so I'm very happy to take her with me and explore Etihad Rail together.
"In my country there's a lot of train travel and seeing it being built here is perfect because I think it will help a lot of students like me and a lot of people to not be so car dependent, and it will allow them to travel more across the country and discover the beauties of UAE from a different perspective."
Another first for rail enthusiast
Hamad Al Shamsi from Fujairah was on the inaugural Fujairah to Abu Dhabi service on June 30 and made sure to be part of another momentous journey for the Emirates.
"I just wanted to try it out. I wanted to be among the very first people to experience the journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. That was the appeal—just being one of the first," he told The National.
He described the launch as a feeling of pride for the nation.
"I’m very proud of it, as it represents a major leap forward for transportation in the UAE. This station—the Dubai station—is incredibly important because it connects Etihad Rail with the Dubai Metro," Mr Al Shamsi said.
