Dubai's much-anticipated Etihad Rail passenger service has completed its maiden journey, in the latest milestone for the UAE's growing public transport network.
The National joined passengers on board the 6.14am train from Al Yalayis Station, next to Jumeirah Golf Estates, to Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
The station was abuzz with anticipation for the first passenger train service from Dubai. A clock counted down the minutes until the inaugural train departed for the nation's capital as happy travellers took photographs to commemorate the occasion.
As boarding began, a dance troupe performance accompanied by a pianist and a saxophone player set the mood. After scanning tickets, passengers were handed commemorative gift boxes.
The train departed on time from Dubai, with enthusiastic travellers treated to a spectacular desert sunrise and a smooth ride.
On the way, bespoke chocolates were served, along with drinks such as orange juice, water, or tea. A paratha omelette box was also served as a complimentary breakfast for passengers.
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Dubai's first Etihad Rail train service has been launched. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The opening of the station is a proud moment in the rise of the nation's rail network -
A passenger prepares to board the train -
An Etihad Rail mascot greets travellers -
A cultural performance during the opening ceremony -
Passengers pick up their tickets for the momentous journey -
The Dubai station is the third to open on the growing Etihad Rail passenger train network -
The line is set to transform the morning commute for many people in the city -
A passenger buys a ticket -
There are two platform waiting areas, with signs directing passengers through the station before boarding -
The new station has direct access to the existing Dubai Metro Red Line -
The train arrives from Abu Dhabi. Launch of train services at Etihad Rail Al Yalayis Station, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
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 from roads to 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 Fujairah.
President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, 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 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 a 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.
He showed excitement 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 source of national pride.
“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.
Driving progress
Arkash Purushotham, an engineer from Singapore and dedicated train lover, was eager to take his seat on the eagerly awaited service.
He decided to do the round trip from Dubai and get some work done before starting his workday.
“I was genuinely interested in this. I think the benefits of train services are immense,” he said.
“Beyond the simple convenience between two cities, you have the massive macroeconomic factors of people being able to work on trains.”
Shariq Jamal Siddiqui, an Indian resident in Dubai, relished the chance to travel in style for his first trip to Abu Dhabi.
“I'm based in Dubai, and this was my first trip to Dubai to Abu Dhabi. It was quite a smooth ride and a very historic moment for mobility in the UAE.
“I think a lot of people should use it, and it's a very sustainable means of transport.”
Sharjah routes rolled out
The Al Dhaid station, in Sharjah, also welcomed passengers from Wednesday, becoming the fourth stop on the Etihad Rail network to open.
The first train was due to leave Al Dhaid at 9.41am and was expected to arrive in Fujairah at 10.06am.
Tickets on the express 25-minute service are available for Dh19 for morning journeys in comfort class and Dh79 for premium class.
Trains to and from Al Dhaid to Abu Dhabi will also be up and running from Wednesday.
