The launch of Etihad Rail's first preliminary passenger services has marked a milestone in the development of the country's tourism sector.
The project is expected to boost domestic tourism, facilitate the movement of visitors between the UAE's emirates, and open new horizons for tourist destinations to benefit from a modern, safe, and sustainable transport network.
Etihad Rail strengthens the connectivity between the country's cities and opens broader opportunities for discovering the natural, heritage, and cultural assets that various emirates possess, supporting domestic tourism, raising the appeal of tourist destinations, and advancing the country's vision of building an integrated infrastructure system that contributes to stimulating the national economy and achieving sustainable development.
In Fujairah — one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the country by virtue of its natural, heritage, and cultural assets — the departure of the first preliminary passenger services toward Abu Dhabi was received with a festive atmosphere, amid expectations that the project will enhance tourism to the emirate, expand travel options for visitors, and support various tourism-related sectors. Tourism officials in the emirate described the project as a strategic step that reinforces Fujairah's standing on the national tourism map.
Saeed Abdullah Al Samahi, Director of the Fujairah Department of Tourism and Antiquities, said that the opening of the Etihad Rail station in the emirate is a strategic step that strengthens Fujairah's position on the national tourism map and helps open new horizons for economic growth by facilitating visitor movement between the various emirates of the country.
He added that the modern connectivity provided by Etihad Rail will give tourists and visitors a comfortable and safe option for reaching Fujairah, supporting higher hotel occupancy rates and having a positive impact on the hospitality sector as well as on entertainment and commercial activities linked to tourism.
He noted that Fujairah possesses diverse tourism assets combining nature, heritage, and culture, and that ease of access via the national transport network will enhance its appeal as a preferred destination for short trips and domestic tourism, in line with the country's vision for developing integrated infrastructure that supports sustainable development and drives the local economy.
The Fujairah station witnessed a notable turnout of citizens and residents who were keen to document this historic moment, expressing pride in an achievement that represents a qualitative leap in the transport sector, facilitating movement between the country's emirates and expected to have a positive impact on tourism in the emirate while supporting its efforts to attract more visitors.
The launch of services from Fujairah holds special significance for the emirate's residents and those living along the east coast. The train covers the distance between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in 105 minutes, reaches a maximum speed of 200 kilometres per hour, accommodates up to 400 passengers per journey, and is expected to carry a total of approximately 10 million passengers annually once the full network is operational.
Etihad Rail offers two classes of travel — Economy Class and Business Class — with features including reserved seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, device charging points, luggage areas, and multiple ticketing options to suit different passenger needs, alongside facilities catering to the requirements of people of determination.
This ambitious national project affirms the UAE's ability to transform its visions into tangible achievements that serve society, entrench the journey of comprehensive development, and open new future horizons for sustainable mobility and the enhancement of economic and tourism development across all regions of the country.