Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, rode the passenger train on a journey from Mohamed bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi to Fujairah Passenger Station, just days after the launch of passenger rail services in the United Arab Emirates. The trip reflects the official interest in one of the most prominent strategic national projects, which represents a qualitative leap in the transport sector and embodies the vision of the wise leadership in developing world-class infrastructure that enhances sustainable development and elevates quality of life.
Accompanying him on the journey was Abdullah Sultan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice and President of the Federal Judicial Council. They were received on board by Shadi Malak, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail.
During the journey, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak met a number of Emirati national cadres working on board the train and received a briefing on the operating system and services provided to passengers. He also reviewed the features offered by the train, which have been designed in accordance with the latest international standards to provide a safe, modern, and comfortable travel experience.
He was also briefed on Mohamed bin Zayed City and Fujairah passenger stations, their operational facilities, the smart services available to travellers, and the mechanisms for managing and operating the stations — all of which reflect the advanced level attained by the UAE's transport system.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said: "We are proud today of the operation of the passenger train in the United Arab Emirates, which represents a new national achievement that embodies the vision of our wise leadership in building a modern and integrated transport system, and reflects the advanced levels the country has reached in developing infrastructure in accordance with the highest international standards."
He affirmed that this project is not merely a means of transport, but a strategic investment in the future of the UAE, contributing to enhanced connectivity between the various emirates, elevating quality of life, providing sustainable mobility solutions, supporting the competitiveness of the national economy, and reinforcing the UAE's position as a global hub for trade, investment, tourism, and logistics.
He noted that the developmental achievements and major national projects being witnessed in the UAE embody the wise and forward-looking vision of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan — may God protect him — who is leading the country towards a more prosperous and sustainable future, placing the human being at the heart of the development process and making investment in infrastructure, innovation, and technology core pillars for enhancing the country's competitiveness and global leadership.
He said that the passenger train project is a practical translation of this ambitious vision, and reflects the wise leadership's commitment to developing an advanced transport system that keeps pace with the best international standards, contributes to strengthening connectivity between the emirates, elevates quality of life, supports economic growth, and provides sustainable solutions that serve current and future generations — cementing the UAE's position as a global model of comprehensive development and innovation.
He added that the passenger train project is a qualitative addition to the national transport system, providing safe, fast, and sustainable means of mobility linking cities and economic centres, contributing to the support of commercial and tourism activity, and enhancing economic and social integration between the emirates. It also supports the country's sustainability targets and carbon emissions reduction goals, in line with the UAE's vision of building a green economy and a more sustainable future.
He noted that this project reflects the UAE's ability to transform ambitious visions into tangible achievements in record timeframes, thanks to the guidance of the wise leadership, the efficiency of national institutions, and the spirit of collaborative work. He affirmed that the country is pressing ahead with implementing qualitative strategic projects that enhance its readiness for the future and consolidate its position among the world's most advanced and innovative nations.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan praised the tremendous efforts made by Etihad Rail, under the leadership and guidance of Sheikh Dhiyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development Affairs and Martyrs' Families and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail, in implementing this vital national project. He commended the dedicated efforts of the working teams, national cadres, and partners that contributed to the completion of a rail network built to the highest international standards, making it a benchmark in the transport and rail sector and embodying the ability of UAE nationals to implement strategic projects that advance the journey of comprehensive development and consolidate the country's global standing in infrastructure and sustainable transport.
The launch of passenger rail services comes less than 5 years after it was announced as part of the UAE's "Projects of the 50", transforming from an ambitious national vision into a fully realised reality that enhances the modern transport system, connects cities and economic centres, and affirms the UAE's commitment to continued investment in advanced infrastructure projects that support economic and social development and keep pace with its future ambitions.
Passenger train services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah have seen strong demand since ticketing reservations opened. During the preliminary operational phase, 6 trips are operated daily, providing passengers with an advanced travel experience that includes guaranteed seating, complimentary wireless internet service, charging ports for electronic devices at every seat, ample luggage space, and first-class services designed to deliver the highest levels of comfort and luxury.
Passenger train services are scheduled to expand to include Dubai and Al Dhaid stations from 30 September 2026, and Al Dhafra region stations from 30 December 2026, with the network set to complete the opening of Sharjah station on 30 March 2027 — further strengthening connectivity between the various emirates, supporting the journey of sustainable development, and marking a qualitative leap in the future of transport in the United Arab Emirates.