Etihad Rail’s early morning train service marks a new travel experience for UAE commuters, allowing passengers to begin their workday journeys with a faster, more convenient, and modern rail connection.
Etihad Rail’s First Morning Service Welcomes UAE Commuters Heading to Their Workplaces.
Etihad Rail’s first passenger service set off from Fujairah’s Al Hilal City station at 5:34am on Tuesday, as commuters prepared for early journeys, including overnight travel plans, to ensure they arrived at work on schedule.
Editor’s Note: Follow INSIDER 18’s live updates as Etihad Rail launches its first passenger service connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
A historic moment in the UAE’s transport network began early Tuesday morning as the first Etihad Rail passenger train departed from Fujairah’s Al Hilal City station at 5:34am, marking the start of a new chapter in regional travel.
For many passengers on board, the journey represented much more than simply catching a train. The launch of the service had generated significant excitement, with hundreds of residents making special arrangements to experience the first passenger trip and become part of the country’s evolving rail story.
Some commuters had carefully organised their schedules in advance, planning their travel around the early departure time. Several passengers prepared overnight plans, adjusted their routines, and coordinated with their workplaces to ensure they could take part in the first service while still maintaining their professional commitments.
For these early travellers, being on the train meant waking up before sunrise and arriving at the station while much of the city was still quiet. Their effort reflected the anticipation surrounding Etihad Rail’s passenger operations and the importance many residents placed on witnessing the beginning of a new transportation option in the UAE.
The first journey attracted a mix of passengers, including daily commuters, curious travellers, and residents eager to experience the country’s latest mobility milestone. Many viewed the service as a convenient alternative that could change the way people travel between emirates in the future.
The launch of passenger services represents a major development in the UAE’s transport infrastructure, offering residents a new way to move between communities while providing greater connectivity across the country.
For some passengers, the experience was also about being part of a historic occasion. They were among the first members of the public to step onto Etihad Rail’s passenger network, turning an ordinary commute into a memorable event.
The early departure time required commitment, but passengers said the opportunity to experience the new rail service made the preparation worthwhile. From arranging work schedules to planning travel details, many took extra steps to ensure they could participate in the first journey.
The excitement around the service highlights the growing interest in rail travel in the UAE. As the country continues expanding its transport options, Etihad Rail’s passenger network is expected to provide residents with another efficient and modern way to travel.
For those onboard the first train, the journey was not only about reaching a destination but also about witnessing the beginning of a new era in UAE transportation.
‘We wanted to witness a historic moment’
For Nihad, joining Etihad Rail’s first passenger journey was not simply about travelling from one place to another. It was about becoming part of a moment that he believed would be remembered as a milestone in the UAE’s transportation history.
Nihad, who operates a production company in the UAE, said the idea of taking the inaugural train came unexpectedly while he was driving and listening to a radio announcement about the launch of Etihad Rail’s passenger services.
“When I heard that Etihad Rail was starting its first passenger service, I immediately thought that we should be there,” he said. “A first journey like this happens only once, and we wanted to experience it and be part of that memory.”
The excitement pushed him to quickly organise a plan with a group of friends. Instead of treating it as a regular trip, they turned it into a special experience. Later that same day, they gathered their arrangements, travelled towards Fujairah, and stayed overnight at a hotel so they could be ready for the early morning departure.
Their day began long before sunrise. They woke up in the early hours and headed to the station by taxi, arriving at around 4:30am, well ahead of the train’s scheduled departure. The early start was a sacrifice they were willing to make because they wanted to be among the first passengers to experience the new rail service.
After completing the journey and arriving in Abu Dhabi, Nihad had already planned the next part of his day. He intended to continue his commute using public transport, taking a bus followed by the metro before heading directly to his workplace.
Despite the unusual schedule, he said he still had professional responsibilities waiting for him after the historic train ride. The journey was not a holiday or a day away from work; it was an experience carefully planned around his normal routine.
For Nihad and his friends, the effort involved in reaching Fujairah, catching the first train, and continuing their daily commitments demonstrated how meaningful the occasion was to them.
Another passenger, Nihal, who works as an assistant compliance manager, also made special arrangements to be part of the first service. Having lived in the UAE since 2015, Nihal normally works in Dubai and had to organize his travel plans carefully to join the launch journey.
Instead of driving directly to Fujairah on the day of the train service, he prepared in advance. The evening before, he left his car at Al Furjan and used the metro to travel towards Al Qusais, where he met Nihad before continuing their journey together to Fujairah.
The trip became even more meaningful for Nihal because he was travelling with his father, turning the experience into a personal family memory as well as a national milestone.
He explained that the journey required coordination and extra planning, but the opportunity to witness the first Etihad Rail passenger service made the effort worthwhile.
When asked whether the unusual travel schedule would affect his work timing, Nihal acknowledged that he might arrive later than usual. However, he said he had already received approval from his company to take part in the historic event.
The decision to make these arrangements reflected how strongly some residents wanted to be present for the launch. For them, the first Etihad Rail passenger trip represented more than a new transport option; it marked progress and a new phase in the UAE’s connectivity.
Nihal also expressed his hope that, in the future, the rail network would expand further and allow him to travel directly from Fujairah to his Dubai workplace without needing to change between different modes of transport.
He believes that once the network becomes fully connected and services expand, Etihad Rail could transform daily commuting for many residents by offering a smoother and more convenient alternative to traditional road travel.
The experiences of passengers like Nihad and Nihal highlight the excitement surrounding the introduction of passenger rail services in the UAE. Their journey showed the enthusiasm of residents who wanted to experience the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s transport development.
For them, waking up before dawn, travelling overnight, and rearranging their schedules were small efforts compared with the opportunity to say they were among the first passengers aboard Etihad Rail’s historic service.
‘A journey that saves hours on the road’
For Rawdha, an Emirati resident from Kalba, the launch of Etihad Rail’s passenger service represented more than just a new travel experience. It offered a practical solution to a daily challenge faced by many commuters who regularly travel long distances across the UAE.
Rawdha works in Abu Dhabi, while her regular professional responsibilities are connected to projects in Dubai. On Tuesday, she received a request from her company to report to Abu Dhabi, making her one of the early passengers to experience the newly launched rail service.
“I normally work on a project based in Dubai, but today I was asked to come to Abu Dhabi,” she explained.
For many travellers, the introduction of Etihad Rail is expected to change the way they approach long-distance commuting. Instead of spending hours behind the wheel navigating busy roads, traffic congestion, and heavy vehicle movement, passengers can now use their travel time more productively.
Rawdha said the difference was immediately noticeable. She explained that a journey that could previously take several hours by road could now be completed much faster and with greater comfort.
“Rather than sitting in traffic for two and a half hours, dealing with trucks and crowded roads, I can now complete the journey in around 45 minutes while relaxing,” she said.
Beyond reducing travel time, she highlighted the comfort and convenience of travelling by train. Passengers can sit comfortably, avoid the stress of driving, and even use the journey to complete work tasks, respond to messages, or prepare for meetings.
She said the ability to continue working while travelling was one of the biggest advantages of the service. Instead of losing valuable time on the road, commuters can turn their journey into productive time.
Rawdha confirmed that she plans to continue using Etihad Rail for future trips between the Eastern Region and Abu Dhabi. For her, the service represents a major improvement in daily mobility and a more efficient alternative to traditional road travel.
The launch of the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah passenger route marks the beginning of a new phase in the UAE’s transportation system. It is the first operational segment of Etihad Rail’s wider passenger network, designed to connect different parts of the country through a modern rail system.
The journey between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah takes approximately 105 minutes, providing passengers with a new option for travelling between the emirates.
To encourage residents to experience the service, Etihad Rail introduced special opening offers, including a 50 per cent discount on ticket prices during the initial launch period. Comfort Class tickets started from Dh55, while Premium Class fares were available from Dh120.
The response from the public was extremely strong, with many residents showing immediate interest in becoming among the first passengers. Tickets for the first day of operations were sold out within only a few days after reservations became available.
The high demand reflected the excitement surrounding the introduction of passenger rail travel in the UAE. Many residents viewed the launch as a major milestone and an important step towards creating more connected and convenient transportation options across the country.
The passenger network is expected to continue expanding in stages, bringing rail services closer to more communities. The next major additions include the opening of Dubai’s station at Jumeirah Golf Estates and Al Dhaid station in Sharjah, which are scheduled to begin operations on September 30, 2026.
Further expansion will continue with stations in the Al Dhafra region expected to open in December. Sharjah’s University City station is planned as the final addition to the initial network phase, scheduled for March 2027.
The gradual expansion of stations is expected to improve accessibility and allow more residents to benefit from rail travel. As more routes become available, commuters may have greater flexibility in choosing rail as an alternative to private vehicles and traditional transport methods.
For passengers on the first journey, however, the experience was about more than convenience. The arrival of the train in Abu Dhabi became a celebration of a new era in UAE travel.
As the train reached its destination, passengers were welcomed with traditional Emirati performances, Arabic coffee, and cultural celebrations. The reception reflected the importance of the occasion and the pride surrounding the launch of the country’s passenger rail network.
For many people onboard, the journey represented progress, innovation, and a memorable moment in the UAE’s development. They were not simply travelling from one location to another; they were witnessing the beginning of a transportation transformation.
The stories of passengers like Rawdha demonstrate the different ways Etihad Rail could impact daily life. For some, it means shorter travel times. For others, it means greater comfort, improved productivity, and a more reliable way to move between emirates.
As the network continues to grow, the service is expected to become an important part of the UAE’s future mobility plans. The first passenger journey between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah has opened the door to a new travel experience, combining modern infrastructure, convenience, and connectivity.
For those who boarded the first train, it was a journey they will remember—not only because it saved time, but because they were among the first to experience a new chapter in the UAE’s transport history.
