{"id":46702,"date":"2026-08-04T06:28:26","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T06:28:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/?p=46702"},"modified":"2026-08-04T07:00:43","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T07:00:43","slug":"uae-residents-choose-scenic-etihad-rail-trips-over-traditional-long-weekend-road-journeys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/04\/uae-residents-choose-scenic-etihad-rail-trips-over-traditional-long-weekend-road-journeys\/","title":{"rendered":"UAE Residents Choose Scenic Etihad Rail Trips Over Traditional Long Weekend Road Journeys."},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Operating three services every day in both directions, the route connects Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in less than two hours while passing through breathtaking desert landscapes and the Hajar Mountains.<\/h3>

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Etihad Rail Brings a New Travel Experience for UAE Weekend Explorers<\/h3>

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The introduction of Etihad Rail\u2019s passenger service has created a new option for residents looking to explore different parts of the UAE without spending hours on the road. Since the start of passenger operations on June 30, 2026, rail travel has attracted attention from families, groups of friends, and weekend travellers seeking a more comfortable way to move between emirates.<\/p>

The Abu Dhabi\u2013Fujairah connection has become one of the most talked-about routes, giving passengers the opportunity to experience the country\u2019s changing landscapes from the comfort of a train carriage. Instead of focusing on traffic, fuel stops, and long hours behind the wheel, travellers can now enjoy a smoother journey while taking in views of the UAE\u2019s natural scenery.<\/p>

The route links the capital with Fujairah in around one hour and 45 minutes, providing an alternative to the traditional road trip that many residents have relied on for years. During the journey, passengers move from the modern city environment of Abu Dhabi through wide desert areas before reaching the dramatic mountain landscapes surrounding Fujairah.<\/p>

For many residents, the appeal of the service goes beyond simply reaching a destination faster. The train experience offers a chance to relax, spend quality time with family members, and enjoy the journey itself rather than viewing travel as only a means of getting somewhere.<\/p>

The comfort of rail travel has made it especially attractive for weekend plans. Families who previously had to prepare for lengthy drives can now plan shorter getaways with fewer concerns about road fatigue. Children can enjoy watching the scenery change outside the windows, while adults can travel without the stress of navigating busy highways.<\/p>

Since the launch of the service, demand has grown as residents have shown interest in experiencing the new mode of transportation. Weekend journeys have been particularly popular, with many travellers sharing positive impressions about the convenience, organisation, and overall experience of travelling by train.<\/p>

Several UAE families who have already tried the route described the journey as a refreshing change from traditional road travel. For them, the train provides a chance to turn the trip itself into part of the holiday experience rather than simply a long commute between locations.<\/p>

The arrival of passenger rail services represents a major shift in how people can explore the UAE. Beyond improving connectivity between emirates, Etihad Rail is introducing a different style of travel that combines convenience with the opportunity to appreciate the country\u2019s landscapes.<\/p>

As more residents experience the service, rail travel is expected to become an increasingly popular choice for weekend breaks, family outings, and leisure trips across the UAE. The journey between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah is no longer only about the destination \u2014 the route itself has become part of the experience.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\u2018The train gave us back our time\u2019<\/h3>

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A More Comfortable Journey Home: How Etihad Rail Is Changing Family Travel<\/h3>

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For Abu Dhabi-based working mother Raya Al Baroudi, travelling back to her hometown area has always involved careful planning and a great deal of effort. Originally from Kalba, she was familiar with the challenges of making long road journeys, especially after a demanding workday while travelling with her children.<\/p>

The launch of passenger rail services offered her a new solution to a routine that had often been tiring. Instead of spending hours behind the wheel after work, managing traffic and trying to keep children comfortable during a long drive, she found an option that allowed the entire family to travel in a more relaxed environment.<\/p>

Al Baroudi explained that her main reason for choosing the train was to find a safer and more convenient way to make the journey. The idea of driving for several hours immediately after finishing work, particularly with children in the car, was physically exhausting. The rail service provided an opportunity to sit back, recover from the day, and enjoy the trip rather than focusing entirely on the demands of the road.<\/p>

For her, the train journey changed the meaning of travelling home. Instead of arriving tired after navigating highways and traffic, she and her children could spend the journey resting, talking, and enjoying the experience together.<\/p>

Her first trip from Abu Dhabi towards Fujairah, the emirate located closest to her hometown of Kalba, left a strong impression. She described the overall experience as memorable, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere, comfortable facilities, and positive service throughout the journey.<\/p>

The difference was especially noticeable for her children. Compared with traditional car travel, where long hours sitting in one position can become difficult for younger passengers, the train provided more freedom and comfort. They were able to enjoy the ride in a way that made the journey itself part of the adventure.<\/p>

Rather than asking repeatedly how much longer remained before reaching their destination, the children became engaged with their surroundings. The changing landscapes outside the windows captured their attention as the train moved through different parts of the UAE.<\/p>

The journey offered views that are often missed when travelling by road. From desert scenery to mountain landscapes, the changing environment gave the children an opportunity to observe the country\u2019s natural beauty from a different perspective.<\/p>

Al Baroudi said her children were excited throughout the trip. They enjoyed watching animals along the route, including camels, antelopes, deer, and other livestock. The experience became an informal learning opportunity, allowing them to recognise different features of the UAE\u2019s environment, from plants and trees to the unique appearance of the mountain regions.<\/p>

For the family, the trip was not simply a method of reaching Fujairah. It became an enjoyable family experience that combined travel, discovery, and relaxation.<\/p>

The introduction of rail travel has given many residents like Al Baroudi a new choice when planning journeys across the UAE. For families balancing work, school schedules, and personal commitments, having an alternative to long drives can make travel less stressful and more enjoyable.<\/p>

Her experience reflects how passenger rail services are changing the way people think about movement between emirates. Instead of viewing travel time as a challenge to overcome, passengers can now treat the journey as part of their overall experience.<\/p>

For working parents especially, services that reduce the physical demands of travelling can create more opportunities to spend meaningful time with family. A trip that once required energy and concentration behind the wheel can now become a chance to relax, connect, and enjoy the scenery together.<\/p>

As more residents discover rail travel, stories like Al Baroudi\u2019s highlight the wider impact of improved transport options in the UAE. The benefits extend beyond convenience, offering families a new way to explore the country while making everyday journeys more comfortable and enjoyable.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Al Baroudi highlighted that the rail service is not only convenient for her children but also provides a more comfortable travel option for older family members. She explained that the availability of a smooth and reliable train connection makes it easier for her elderly mother to travel between Kalba and Abu Dhabi for medical appointments without facing the physical strain of a long road journey. The service offers her mother a calmer and less tiring alternative, allowing her to complete necessary trips with greater ease and comfort. For Al Baroudi, the railway has become a valuable option that supports different generations of her family by making travel more accessible and manageable.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\u2018Luxurious in every sense of the word\u2019<\/h3>

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Family Adventure Begins as Abu Dhabi Resident Experiences Etihad Rail for the First Time<\/h3>

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For Abu Dhabi resident and mother of seven Asma Al Marzouqi, the launch of passenger rail services in the UAE represented more than just a new transport option \u2014 it was a moment she had been looking forward to for years.<\/p>

After hearing about plans for a national passenger railway, she and her family were eager to experience the service once journeys between emirates became available. When the first passenger route connecting Fujairah and Abu Dhabi opened, the family quickly decided that their next holiday-style outing would be a train journey within the UAE.<\/p>

Rather than travelling overseas, they chose to explore Fujairah, a destination known for its beaches, mountains, and natural scenery. For the family, the trip offered a chance to discover another part of the country while experiencing a new way of travelling.<\/p>

Al Marzouqi said the excitement began even before boarding the train. The family selected Premium Class tickets, looking forward to a more comfortable and memorable experience. From arriving at the station to settling into their seats, she found the overall service impressive.<\/p>

She praised the station facilities, the organisation of the journey, and the attention given to passengers. The comfortable environment allowed the family to enjoy the trip without the usual challenges associated with long road journeys, especially when travelling with several children.<\/p>

For Al Marzouqi, planning the trip was part of the excitement. Before travelling, she researched the location of the Fujairah station and looked for nearby accommodation options to make the family\u2019s visit easier. After checking available hotels close to the station, the family selected one that offered convenient access.<\/p>

Once they arrived in Fujairah, the availability of taxis outside the station made continuing their journey simple. They travelled to their hotel and explored the emirate using local transport, creating an experience that felt similar to an international holiday despite staying within the UAE.<\/p>

The trip became more than just a journey between two places. It gave the family an opportunity to spend quality time together, experience a new form of transport, and discover local attractions in a different way.<\/p>

Al Marzouqi said the children were especially excited throughout the experience. For them, travelling by train created the feeling of a major adventure, turning a domestic trip into a memorable family occasion.<\/p>

The success of their first journey has encouraged the family to consider more rail trips in the future. Al Marzouqi hopes to use Etihad Rail to explore additional destinations across the UAE, including cities such as Dubai, Sharjah, and Al Dhafra.<\/p>

For her family, the introduction of passenger rail has opened new possibilities for weekend outings and short breaks. Instead of spending long hours driving, they can now enjoy the journey itself while discovering different regions of the country.<\/p>

The experience reflects how modern transport links are changing the way UAE residents plan leisure trips. With greater connectivity between emirates, families can explore more destinations conveniently while creating new memories along the way.<\/p>

For Al Marzouqi and her children, their first Etihad Rail journey was not simply about reaching Fujairah \u2014 it was about enjoying the adventure from the moment they arrived at the station until they returned home.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Etihad Rail Creates New Weekend Travel Options for UAE Families<\/h3>

For Umm Rashid Al Zahmi, a resident of Fujairah, the appeal of Etihad Rail was simple: spending quality time with family while enjoying a different way to explore the UAE. She and her family decided to experience the train journey between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, turning a short trip into a memorable family outing.<\/p>

The journey offered a comfortable alternative to travelling by car, particularly for families who want to avoid long hours on the road. Al Zahmi said the experience was enjoyable for everyone, including younger passengers who found the train ride exciting and different from traditional travel.<\/p>

She described the service as a relaxing and enjoyable experience that suited family members of different ages. The spacious environment, smooth journey, and chance to watch the changing landscapes outside the windows made the trip more than just transportation between two locations.<\/p>

Although the outing was brief, it created enough memories for the family to start planning another rail adventure. The children were especially enthusiastic about returning for another journey, showing the growing appeal of rail travel as a leisure activity among UAE families.<\/p>

Passenger Service Details<\/h3>

Etihad Rail\u2019s passenger operations currently provide regular connections between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, giving residents a new option for travelling across the country. Services operate several times each day, allowing passengers greater flexibility when planning their trips.<\/p>

Travellers can choose between different seating categories depending on their preferences and budget. Comfort Class tickets begin at Dh55, while Premium Class options start from Dh120. Special pricing is also available for eligible groups, including children between the ages of two and 17 and senior citizens aged 60 years and above.<\/p>

Passengers can reserve their seats through Etihad Rail\u2019s official digital platforms, including its website and mobile application. To ensure a smooth departure experience, travellers are encouraged to reach the station in advance, allowing enough time for check-in and boarding procedures.<\/p>

Parking facilities are available for passengers at the Abu Dhabi station, making it easier for those arriving by private vehicle. Additional transport options are also available for reaching and leaving stations, including shuttle services and taxis.<\/p>

A shuttle connection links the Abu Dhabi station with important locations such as Reem Mall, Adnoc headquarters, and Adnec, providing added convenience for passengers. In Fujairah, taxis are available outside the station to help travellers continue their journey to hotels, homes, or tourist destinations.<\/p>

Expanding the UAE Rail Network<\/h3>

The current Abu Dhabi-Fujairah service represents an important stage in the development of passenger rail travel in the UAE. More routes are expected to become available as Etihad Rail continues expanding its national network.<\/p>

Future plans include additional passenger stations in Dubai and Sharjah, increasing the number of destinations accessible by train. The planned Dubai station near Jumeirah Golf Estates and the Al Dhaid station in Sharjah will provide new travel options for residents and visitors.<\/p>

Further expansion will also introduce connections to areas including Al Dhafra and Sharjah\u2019s University City, creating a wider transport network that links more communities across the country.<\/p>

Once completed, the Etihad Rail passenger network is expected to span approximately 900 kilometres, connecting 11 cities and regions across all seven emirates. The route will stretch from Al Sila in the western part of the UAE to Fujairah on the eastern coastline.<\/p>

The expansion of passenger rail is expected to transform the way people travel within the UAE. By providing a comfortable, efficient, and scenic alternative to road journeys, the service gives families, workers, and tourists a new way to experience the country.<\/p>

For passengers like Umm Rashid Al Zahmi and her family, the introduction of Etihad Rail is not only about reaching a destination faster. It represents a new style of travel where the journey itself becomes part of the experience.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Many UAE residents are moving away from lengthy highway drives during holidays and choosing Etihad Rail journeys instead, enjoying comfortable travel, scenic views, and a more relaxed weekend experience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":36047,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[14,9],"tags":[],"post_template":[],"top_category":[],"class_list":["post-46702","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-transport","category-uae","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46702","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46702"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46702\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46707,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46702\/revisions\/46707"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36047"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46702"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=46702"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=46702"},{"taxonomy":"post_template","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_template?post=46702"},{"taxonomy":"top_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/top_category?post=46702"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}