Passengers traveling on the Etihad Rail train between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah can now enjoy the atmosphere of the UAE thanks to the launch of a special onboard dining offering.
Passengers traveling on the Etihad Rail train between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah can now enjoy the atmosphere of the UAE thanks to the launch of a special onboard dining offering.
The new menu was developed by Capital Catering, a division of Adnec Group, and it is designed to reflect the traditions, hospitality, and flavors of the United Arab Emirates. The concept of the onboard service is built around the theme of 'A Journey Through the Emirates.'
The menu includes dishes prepared using ingredients closely associated with the region, such as cardamom, saffron, dates, local honey, and Arabic coffee.
The menu development was handled by award-winning chef Maita Warsaw, one of the leading culinary talents in the UAE. Her task was to combine modern rail transport with traditional Emirati cuisine, offering passengers dishes that feel both familiar and contemporary while distinctly reflecting the UAE.
A signature dish is a modern interpretation of Machboos—the classic Emirati rice dish. Chef Maita's interpretation features braised short ribs served with aromatic spiced rice. This dish illustrates the overall idea of the menu: respecting old recipes while presenting them in a modern and memorable way.
In the initial weeks of operation, Chef Maita personally interacted with travelers on board. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, as passengers highly appreciated both the taste and the story behind each dish.
Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial at Etihad Rail Mobility, emphasized that the culinary experience goes far beyond simply feeding passengers. She stated: 'Rail transport for passengers is more than just moving people from one point to another. It is an opportunity to allow passengers to experience the UAE in a new way—from the landscapes they pass through to the stories and traditions that define this nation. Through this collaboration, we are integrating elements of Emirati culture and hospitality directly into the journey itself.'
Hamed Al Qubaisi, Commercial Director at Capital Catering + Services, noted that this partnership demonstrates the growing importance of food in modern tourism. He added: 'This reflects the vital role that catering plays in the future of travel, where every detail contributes to comfort, service, and sense of place. By bringing Emirati flavors and hospitality onboard, we help create a passenger journey that is not only efficient and modern but also deeply connected to the culture and identity of the UAE.'
The onboard menu includes carefully selected options for Comfort and Premium classes. Depending on the trip duration, options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are available. A special children's menu has also been created to ensure the comfort and engagement of families.
To celebrate the launch of passenger services, Etihad Rail guests are offered a limited-time complimentary Ghaf Juice Shot, inspired by the UAE's national tree, as well as a selection of local chocolate desserts, including varieties like 'Seven Spices,' 'Date and Caramel,' and 'Gahwa and Cardamom.'
Traditional Arabic coffee service is also available, complemented by a selection of fresh juices, signature coffees, and premium teas. From the first sip of Arabic coffee to the last bite of spiced rice—every element of the Etihad Rail journey is designed to remind passengers that they are traveling through the heart of the UAE.
Thrifty Car Rental UAE has announced the launch of a new service, 'Rail to Road,' which will allow Etihad Rail passengers to rent a vehicle directly at railway stations to complete their journey across the UAE.
On Monday, Thrifty Car Rental UAE reported that it has signed an exclusive five-year agreement with Etihad Rail to service the national passenger rail network. Passengers will be able to book cars through the Etihad Rail website and app, as well as via the Thrifty platform. Digital kiosks for rentals and physical assistance points will be installed at each of the 11 stations in the network.
Both companies are working to integrate transport booking with train ticket purchases, allowing travelers to process both parts of their journey through a single digital process. This service aims to solve transportation issues at the beginning and end stages for tourists, business people, and passengers whose final destinations are not near railway stations.
Thrifty UAE stated plans to invest over 10 million dirhams over the next five years in expanding its fleet, developing digital infrastructure, and improving customer experience. Initially, about 500 vehicles will be allocated to the service, with capacity expected to increase according to passenger demand and the development of the rail network.
According to Thrifty UAE, more than half of global train passengers use car rental or other shared mobility services to complete their trip. By combining rail transport with on-demand transport access, passengers can pick up a car at the arrival station and continue to their destination.
The company is also developing AI-based booking and customer service features within its platform. Abdullah Ahmed Almoosa, founder of A.A. Almoosa Enterprises, noted: 'True connectivity covers the entire journey from start to finish. By bringing Thrifty into the Etihad Rail network, we eliminate gaps for passengers and help build a smarter, fully connected, and sustainable future for travel in the UAE.'
Etihad Rail launched the first phase of its passenger service on June 30, connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. The network is planned to expand on September 30, 2026, with the opening of Dubai Station, located near Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah. These additions will increase rail accessibility for two major population centers in the country. Additional stations are planned to open in phases until the end of 2026 and the beginning of 2027. Madinat Zayed and Liwa Stations in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi are scheduled to open earlier than planned, on November 30, 2026. Al Sila, Al Dannah, and Al Mirfa Stations, also in the Al Dhafra region, will begin operations on December 30, extending the passenger network further west. The Sharjah University Station is scheduled to open on March 30, 2027, completing the first phase of the passenger network. It is expected that after full operation, the Etihad Rail network will carry approximately 10 million passengers annually.
