What we wouldn’t do for faster, easier travel between the emirates and less time sat behind the wheel. Well, thanks to the Ethiad Rail passenger train, our dreams will soon become a reality. The upcoming passenger train is gaining momentum in the UAE and will facilitate quicker, more environmentally friendly and more convenient travel between the emirates. It will also eventually link the emirates to Oman. There are still many significant things being worked on, but the service will soon start accepting passengers. Excited is an understatement.
According to The Etihad Rail website, the UAE’s National Rail Network is now complete with freight operations in use. Once it opens for travel, it is forecasted that the number of passengers will reach 36.5 million by 2030.
This is everything we know so far…
Where will it go?
This year, Etihad Rail inaugurated the network expansion, spanning around 900km linking all seven emirates, from Ghuweifat on the border with Saudi Arabia to Fujairah on the eastern coast of the UAE. It also launched Freight Train operations across the country.
You’ll be able to plan and reserve your tickets for the train’s handy passenger services so that you can travel between the emirates. Compared to other forms of transportation, commute times will be reduced by 30 to 40%.
How long will the commute take?
Future travel times between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and between Dubai and Fujairah will be 50 minutes each. Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais travel time will only take 70 minutes, and Abu Dhabi to Fujairah travel time will be 100 minutes. Game changer.
Who Has designed it?
The passenger train for Etihad Rail is being developed by the Spanish company CAF which will construct, supply and maintain the trains in accordance with European standards. Each train will have over 400 seats and travel at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour. First class, business class and economy class will be available.
What kind of services will it have?
The passenger train will include a wide range of services including entertainment, plush seating and high standards of efficiency and security. There will be plenty of legroom, infotainment systems, charging ports, food and refreshments. Arsenale, an Italian luxury hospitality company, and Etihad Rail are in talks about leading the project.
What is the Etihad Freight Rail?
The Freight Rail service is fully operational, following the development of the UAE National Rail Network. It is being used to move materials and goods around the emirates, keeping big trucks off UAE highways.
Watch this space for more info on the launch of the Etihad Rail passenger train.
