The first passenger services on the Etihad Rail train connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi attracted a wide range of passengers—from local UAE residents keen to experience the train ride to employees commuting to work. On Wednesday, at exactly 6:14 AM, the first passenger train started its journey between the two emirates, carrying a mix of tourists and residents.
Greek tourists Anna Haralampous and Mahi Paparvaniti, who were in the UAE for only five days, took advantage of the opportunity to take a day trip to the capital. Anna stated: 'We decided to take the first train at 6:14 and then explore Abu Dhabi. We booked a return ticket on the last train.' These friends plan to return to Athens the next day, noting that the train arrived at the required time.
The journey took about an hour and four minutes. That morning, two trains ran from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, with an hourly interval. The first train from Abu Dhabi to Dubai arrived at Platform 1 of Al Jalais Station at 7:53 AM.
Brothers Mehreen and Zayan missed school to ride the first train. Mehreen shared: 'We had to wake up earlier than usual for school, but it was worth it. It was great to feel part of history.' Zayan particularly enjoyed watching the sunrise from the train window and trying Karaj. He mentioned hearing Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed say it was the best Karaj, and it turned out to be very delicious.
On Tuesday, chef Maitha Varshaw told Khaleej Times that the menu offered on board the train is designed to showcase Emirati flavors and support local farmers.
For Indian expats Shibin and Shahana, this trip was special as it was the first train journey for their six-month-old daughter Aala. Shibin expressed her joy: 'We are so happy that her first train experience happened in Dubai.' This family made the first trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
All passengers on the first daytime trips were provided with complimentary meals, although these are usually available for purchase in Comfort class.
Friends Nina and Tayyab boarded the train at 7:14 AM in Abu Dhabi. For the Indian expat Tayyaba, this trip was her first in over 30 years. She recounted: 'I always loved taking the train in India, but I haven't traveled since 1993. I have been waiting for the chance to ride from Dubai since the announcement.'
A friend met them in Abu Dhabi. Nina said they spent several hours visiting friends before boarding the daytime train back to Dubai.
Meanwhile, resident Wajahat Rizvi from Sharjah informed his family about the upcoming trip late in the evening. This Indian expat, who has lived in the UAE for over 20 years, wanted his children to experience rail travel in the Emirates. He explained that 'the children have exams,' but 'fortunately, today they have a break, so we decided to take a trip to Abu Dhabi.'
The family left their home in the Town area of Sharjah at 5:15 AM. Wajahat noted that due to construction work, he did not want to get stuck in traffic, and they would return the same day because the children needed to study.
As passenger trains begin regular service at four UAE stations—Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Dhaid, and Fujairah—this marks an important stage in the development of public transport in the UAE. For hundreds of travelers, this could become a new way to commute, visit relatives, or even go to work.