• Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed visits Etihad Rail project sites in Sharjah and Fujairah. All photos: AD Media office
    Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed visits Etihad Rail project sites in Sharjah and Fujairah. All photos: AD Media office
  • The project sites are in the final stages of the second phase of track construction.
    The project sites are in the final stages of the second phase of track construction.
  • Sheikh Theyab, who is chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, visited the sites with other dignitaries.
    Sheikh Theyab, who is chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, visited the sites with other dignitaries.
  • The second phase of construction spans 145 kilometres of track.
    The second phase of construction spans 145 kilometres of track.
  • Sheikh Theyab was told about the progress being made on the project.
    Sheikh Theyab was told about the progress being made on the project.
  • The site visits provided plenty of opportunities to record progress.
    The site visits provided plenty of opportunities to record progress.
  • The Etihad Rail network will eventually serve stops from the Saudi border in the west to the Northern Emirates and Oman in the east.
    The Etihad Rail network will eventually serve stops from the Saudi border in the west to the Northern Emirates and Oman in the east.
  • Workers and dignitaries during the visit.
    Workers and dignitaries during the visit.

Etihad Rail: First passenger station to be built in Fujairah


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Etihad Rail plans to build its first passenger train station on the UAE's east coast, it has been announced.

The station is to built in the Sakamkam area of Fujairah, close to the city centre, Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Thursday.

The office reported that Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Chairman of Etihad Rail, visited the 145-kilometre stretch of line that is being built from Sharjah to Fujairah Port and Ras Al Khaimah.

During the visit, which started in Al Suyoh area in Sharjah and ended in Sakamkam, Sheikh Theyab inspected prime landmarks on the project’s route. These included the rail bridge in Al Suyoh area in Sharjah, a stop in Fujairah to visit Al Bithnah bridge and several tunnels that pass through the Hajar Mountains.

The move represents another major step forward for Etihad Rail's network with the railway line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai completed in March.

Once operational, passenger trains will travel at speeds of up to 200 kilometres an hour and can carry about 400 people. The services will link 11 cities and areas across the UAE.

No start date for the passenger service has been made public, but officials have said more than 36 million people will use the service annually by 2030.

Etihad Rail's network runs across the UAE. Photo: Etihad Rail
Etihad Rail's network runs across the UAE. Photo: Etihad Rail

Trains deal signed

Sheikh Theyab, who was accompanied by Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, also witnessed the signing of a deal between Etihad Rail and Spain’s CAF company for designing, manufacturing, supplying and maintaining passenger trains for the rail project valued at Dh1.2 billion ($326.7 million).

Sheikh Theyab noted the support and guidance of the President, Sheikh Mohamed, for Etihad Rail’s ambitious national project over the past years.

He also lauded the deal, which is a major step forward in the development of the UAE’s passenger service.

"The agreement was signed in Sakamkam area, where the first passenger train station will be built in the heart of Fujairah city," Abu Dhabi Media Office reported.

Passenger service a major step forward

A launch date for the passenger service has not yet been announced, but carriages will be equipped with vital amenities such as Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points and various food and beverages options.

There will also be different seating segments, including first class, business class and economy.

Customers can expect a travel time of 50 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and about 100 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, cutting commutes significantly. Construction of the UAE-wide network is advancing rapidly with close to 70 per cent of the twin-track route built.

The line from Sharjah to the east coast comprises 54 bridges and 20 wildlife crossing points. It also has nine tunnels, which extend for 6.9km through the Hajar Mountains, including the largest heavy freight railway tunnel in the Arabian Gulf that runs for 1.8km.

In November 2021, Etihad Rail completed the excavation works for all rail tunnels in this route, two months ahead of schedule and in compliance with the highest safety and sustainability standards. This was achieved using the latest tunnelling equipment and the best modern technology.

News of the first passenger station comes a day after Etihad Rail posted details of a huge bridge over the Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. The bridge will allow carriages to gain access to Jebel Ali Port through a terminal there.

The train will also boost the UAE's sustainability efforts. Carbon emissions will be reduced by 70 to 80 per cent, compared with the amount emitted by lorries, with one single train journey replacing about 300 lorries on the road.

The Etihad Rail route - in pictures

  • Railroad workers preparing tracks at a depot in January 2022. There has been rapid progress on a new line that will eventually carry passengers. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
    Railroad workers preparing tracks at a depot in January 2022. There has been rapid progress on a new line that will eventually carry passengers. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
  • The new Etihad Rail line will connect 11 cities and areas across the UAE from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the north.
    The new Etihad Rail line will connect 11 cities and areas across the UAE from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the north.
  • Work on the railway at Saih Shuaib.
    Work on the railway at Saih Shuaib.
  • Etihad Rail workers on a railroad overpass along the E77 and E611 highway junction in Dubai.
    Etihad Rail workers on a railroad overpass along the E77 and E611 highway junction in Dubai.
  • The overpass view along the E77 and E611 highway junction.
    The overpass view along the E77 and E611 highway junction.
  • Etihad Rail says stations will celebrate the joy of travelling and designs will speak to regional traditions.
    Etihad Rail says stations will celebrate the joy of travelling and designs will speak to regional traditions.
  • Some of the new stations will be built in the cities but the locations have not been yet announced.
    Some of the new stations will be built in the cities but the locations have not been yet announced.
  • The Abu Dhabi to Dubai line is central to the project.
    The Abu Dhabi to Dubai line is central to the project.
  • The train driver takes the diesel inspection line down the tracks.
    The train driver takes the diesel inspection line down the tracks.
  • The Abu Dhabi to Dubai section of the track runs parallel to the Emirates Road (E611) motorway.
    The Abu Dhabi to Dubai section of the track runs parallel to the Emirates Road (E611) motorway.
  • Newly laid tracks at the Dubai South area.
    Newly laid tracks at the Dubai South area.
  • Railroad workers preparing tracks.
    Railroad workers preparing tracks.
  • An Etihad Rail worker on the Abu Dhabi to Dubai line.
    An Etihad Rail worker on the Abu Dhabi to Dubai line.
  • An Etihad Rail depot at Saih Shuaib.
    An Etihad Rail depot at Saih Shuaib.
  • Passengers will also be able to use park and rides.
    Passengers will also be able to use park and rides.
  • Passengers can expect travel time of 50 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and about 100 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah.
    Passengers can expect travel time of 50 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and about 100 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah.
  • Construction of the UAE-wide network is advancing rapidly with close to 70 per cent of the twin-track route complete.
    Construction of the UAE-wide network is advancing rapidly with close to 70 per cent of the twin-track route complete.
  • The addition of the passenger rail service marked an important moment for Etihad Rail since its establishment in 2009.
    The addition of the passenger rail service marked an important moment for Etihad Rail since its establishment in 2009.
  • The rail track snakes through the desert.
    The rail track snakes through the desert.
  • An Etihad Rail employee on the inspection line.
    An Etihad Rail employee on the inspection line.
  • Three Etihad Rail workers take a rest, with the inspection train on right.
    Three Etihad Rail workers take a rest, with the inspection train on right.
  • Stage two of the project joins Ghuweifat on the border with Saudi Arabia to Fujairah on the east coast in a line running for about 1,200km.
    Stage two of the project joins Ghuweifat on the border with Saudi Arabia to Fujairah on the east coast in a line running for about 1,200km.
  • The passenger service is expected to carry more than 36 million passengers annually by the end of the decade.
    The passenger service is expected to carry more than 36 million passengers annually by the end of the decade.
Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

The biog

Favourite hobby: I love to sing but I don’t get to sing as much nowadays sadly.

Favourite book: Anything by Sidney Sheldon.

Favourite movie: The Exorcist 2. It is a big thing in our family to sit around together and watch horror movies, I love watching them.

Favourite holiday destination: The favourite place I have been to is Florence, it is a beautiful city. My dream though has always been to visit Cyprus, I really want to go there.

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Zakat definitions

Zakat: an Arabic word meaning ‘to cleanse’ or ‘purification’.

Nisab: the minimum amount that a Muslim must have before being obliged to pay zakat. Traditionally, the nisab threshold was 87.48 grams of gold, or 612.36 grams of silver. The monetary value of the nisab therefore varies by current prices and currencies.

Zakat Al Mal: the ‘cleansing’ of wealth, as one of the five pillars of Islam; a spiritual duty for all Muslims meeting the ‘nisab’ wealth criteria in a lunar year, to pay 2.5 per cent of their wealth in alms to the deserving and needy.

Zakat Al Fitr: a donation to charity given during Ramadan, before Eid Al Fitr, in the form of food. Every adult Muslim who possesses food in excess of the needs of themselves and their family must pay two qadahs (an old measure just over 2 kilograms) of flour, wheat, barley or rice from each person in a household, as a minimum.

Why it pays to compare

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.

Route 1: bank transfer

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.

Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount

Total received: €4,670.30 

Route 2: online platform

The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction

Total received: €4,756

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.

The bio

Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district

Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school

Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family

His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people

Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned

Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates

Updated: June 23, 2022, 9:38 AM