Demand for Etihad Rail's passenger services has significantly increased as residents return from their summer vacations. Passengers report that trains are full, journeys are smooth, and rail transport offers a convenient alternative to driving between the Emirates.
Azza Al Suwaidi, Chief Operating Officer of Etihad Rail, stated that over 100,000 tickets have been sold since the launch of introductory routes between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in June. Al Suwaidi emphasized that the company is observing an exceptional level of demand from all categories of Etihad Rail customers, including families and daily commuters.
He added that with the upcoming opening of the Dubai station and the official launch of the expanded network on September 30th, even more people are expected to integrate train travel into their daily lives, driven by the initial high interest in the railway.
Passengers traveling between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah noted the particular usefulness of this service for attending medical appointments, family events, and leisure. They also highly praised the organization of the stations and the comfort of the journey itself.
Shaima Al Hammoudi shared how the train became a practical solution when her five-year-old daughter, Razan Al Marashida, needed to attend an appointment at Healthpoint Hospital in Abu Dhabi. Shaima, originally from Kalba, reported that the appointment could not be rescheduled, and the child's father could not take leave. She booked a ticket and traveled to Abu Dhabi with her daughter, returning to Kalba the same day.
She shared her impressions: 'The trip was excellent. The food was very tasty, and there were many different options, including a children's menu for my daughter. Everything was on time, and there were many families on board. It was a matter of pride.'
Another passenger, Nada, used the August 21st trip from Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station to Abu Dhabi and then to Fujairah. She noted that the journey took about an hour and a half and was comfortable from the moment she arrived at the station. Nada praised the simplicity and speed of the check-in procedures, as well as the friendliness of the staff, noting that their service reflected authentic Emirati values both at the station and on the train. She described the experience as 'beautiful and comfortable' and expressed a desire to travel again.
Nada also mentioned that demand is already high, as the train was 'full,' and it was difficult for her to find a ticket. Mohammed, another UAE passenger, also traveled from Mohammed Bin Zayed City to Fujairah. He chose a seat in Comfort class and was impressed by the journey, the onboard food, and the punctuality of the service. He noted that the seat was comfortable, the food was good, and the chocolate was delicious, and that the train arrived on time and the station was well-organized. He concluded that it was a very pleasant experience and he would definitely try it again.
Mohammed added that the train was full last Monday, indicating growing interest in the service as the holiday season concludes. As the Dubai station joins the network and the expanded rail service is scheduled for official launch on September 30th, Etihad Rail is preparing for a further increase in passengers. The early response from families and daily commuters shows that train travel is ceasing to be something new and is becoming part of the UAE's everyday transportation system.