Etihad Rail has recorded strong demand for passenger train ticket reservations through its digital app and dedicated booking website, with 5,000 passengers having booked tickets within just two days of reservations opening. The 'Etihad Rail' app has since risen to first place among the most-downloaded free applications in the United Arab Emirates.
Ticket bookings via Etihad Rail's digital platforms opened on 23 June, and the surge in demand reflects widespread public interest in the passenger train service ahead of the soft launch of operations between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on 30 June, heralding a new chapter in the UAE's rail transport journey.
In less than 5 years since the UAE announced its vision to launch the passenger train project as part of the 'Projects of the 50', the project has moved from vision to tangible reality. Passengers can now plan, book and manage their train journeys in advance through a seamless experience that guarantees high levels of comfort and flexibility.
Following the launch of services on 30 June 2026, the passenger train network will expand to include the main Abu Dhabi–Dubai–Al Dhaid–Fujairah route starting 30 September 2026, with the opening of stations in the Al Dhafra region and Sharjah to follow in subsequent phases.
Azza Al Suwaidi, Chief Executive Officer of Operations at Etihad Rail, said: