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Abu Dhabi, UAE – Aug, 2026 – Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, has announced a series of early milestones following the introduction of passenger services, with more than 70,000 tickets sold as customers across the UAE increasingly incorporate rail into their travel plans. The figures provide one of the clearest indications yet that passenger rail is beginning to establish itself as a new travel choice for families, commuters, leisure travellers and visitors exploring the country.  Planning Ahead, Not Just Trying It Once: One of the strongest indicators of sustained demand is customer booking behaviour. Passengers are currently booking their journeys an average of 12 days in advance, demonstrating not only strong demand but also a growing tendency to proactively plan travel around rail services. Rather than simply experiencing the service for the first time, customers are increasingly organising business trips, family travel and leisure activities around the railway, signalling that rail is becoming part of how people move across the UAE. Azza Al Suwaidi, Chief Operating Officer of Etihad Rail, said: “People aren’t simply trying the train out of curiosity. They’re planning around it. When customers are booking nearly two weeks ahead, it tells us passenger rail is already becoming part of how people organise their journeys. That is an important sign that rail is beginning to establish itself as a natural travel choice across the UAE.” A New Generation of Rail Travellers: The pre-operational phase witnessed strong interest from various passenger segments, including families, business travellers, schools, leisure travellers, and People of Determination, reflecting the train’s ability to meet diverse mobility needs across the UAE. Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial of Etihad Rail Mobility, added: “One of the most striking things we’ve seen is the diverse range of passengers choosing the train for their journeys across the UAE. This diversity highlights the role the passenger train is playing as a comfortable and reliable transport option that meets a wide range of travel needs, whether for family journeys, business travel, educational trips, leisure experiences, or exploring new destinations across the UAE.” Growing Responsibly Through the Introductory Operational Phase: As the introductory operational phase continues, Etihad Rail will progressively scale services in line with demand while maintaining its focus on safety, reliability and customer experience. The organisation will continue to monitor passenger trends, introduce additional capacity where required and build on the early adoption seen across families, commuters, schools, leisure travellers and accessibility users. Looking ahead, the Etihad Rail passenger network will continue to expand, with Dubai and Al Dhaid stations scheduled to open on 30 September 2026, followed by Liwa and Madinat Zayed on 30 November 2026, the remaining Al Dhafra stations on 30 December 2026, and Sharjah on 30 March 2027, further strengthening connectivity between people, places and opportunities across the UAE. |
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About Etihad Rail: Established in 2009, Etihad Rail is the developer and operator of the UAE’s National Rail Network. Spanning approximately 900 km, the network connects key cities, ports, and industrial hubs from Ghuwaifat to Fujairah on the eastern coast. As part of the UAE’s ‘Projects of the 50’, Etihad Rail plays a central role in driving national economic diversification and sustainable development. Its integrated transport system enhances supply chain efficiency, reduces carbon emissions, and strengthens connectivity across the UAE and the wider region. Etihad Rail’s network currently supports freight operations across 11 terminals and four major ports. Looking ahead, passenger services are set to launch from 2026, offering a modern, reliable and comfortable mode of travel. The service will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, with a network of stations designed to link key urban and economic centres, providing a seamless and efficient travel experience for commuters, business travellers, and families. |
