UAE residents and international tourists became part of a new chapter in the country’s transport history as Etihad Rail’s passenger services between Dubai and Abu Dhabi officially began on September 30.
The first train departed from Dubai at 6:14am, carrying a diverse group of passengers, including residents, families, tourists and visitors eager to experience the UAE’s new railway service.
For many passengers, the journey was more than simply a trip between two cities — it was an opportunity to witness the beginning of a new era in inter-emirate travel.
The inaugural journey took approximately one hour and four minutes, offering passengers a comfortable and convenient way to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Among those onboard were Greek tourists visiting the UAE, families travelling with children and long-time residents who wanted to experience the first passenger journey.
The launch of the service is expected to give commuters and travellers another option for moving between the two emirates, whether for work, family visits, tourism or leisure.
It also represents a major development in the UAE’s wider railway network and efforts to improve connectivity between its major cities.
As the first passengers stepped off the train, many described the experience as a memorable moment, with the inaugural journey marking the beginning of what is expected to become a regular part of travel across the UAE.
