The UAE ushered in a new era in its transportation history on Tuesday as the country's first national passenger rail service officially entered operation, with Etihad Rail carrying its first fare-paying passengers on the inaugural scheduled journey from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi.

The landmark service departed Fujairah Station at 5:34am and arrived at Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi at 7:19am, signalling the dawn of scheduled inter-emirate passenger rail travel in the UAE. The milestone fulfils a long-held vision of connecting the nation's emirates by rail and is expected to transform domestic mobility by offering a fast, reliable and sustainable alternative to road travel.

Customer demand has been strong since bookings opened, with more than 10,000 tickets sold ahead of the start of operations. A total of six passenger services will operate today as Etihad Rail begins the introductory operational phase of its national passenger network, offering customers a safe, reliable and comfortable new way to travel between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi.

Passengers travelling onboard Etihad Rail will benefit from a modern travel experience, including guaranteed seating, onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, generous luggage allowances and Premium Class services designed to deliver greater comfort and convenience.

To deliver a seamless end-to-end customer journey, Etihad Rail has also announced that is working closely with the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) to integrate passenger rail with Abu Dhabi's wider public transport network, enabling customers to connect easily with buses, taxis and other mobility services as part of a fully integrated mobility ecosystem.

Azza Alsuwaidi, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Rail, said: “Every great piece of national infrastructure has two beginnings: the day it is built, and the day people begin making it their own. Today, with the support and guidance of our wise leadership, we embark on that second beginning.

"The first departure from Fujairah this morning is the moment a national vision becomes part of everyday life, giving people a new way to connect with one another, with opportunity and with the places that make our country so unique.

"Years from now, today's passengers will be able to say they were there at the very beginning.”

Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said: "The journey doesn't end when passengers step off the train. It continues all the way to their final destination.

"That is why our partnership with Etihad Rail is so important. Together, we have integrated passenger rail with Abu Dhabi's wider public transport network, making it easier than ever for residents and visitors to continue their journeys using buses, taxis and other mobility services. Another important step towards delivering a smarter, more connected and more sustainable transport system that offers people greater choice while supporting Abu Dhabi's long-term mobility vision."

Customers can continue to book tickets through the Etihad Rail website and mobile application, Etihad Rail said. - TradeArabia News Service