Dubai: Fujairah Passenger Station has become the first fully operational station on the Etihad Rail network, paving the way for the gradual launch of passenger train services this year.
Etihad Rail organized a media visit to Fujairah Passenger Station on Tuesday, showcasing the station’s readiness, its internal facilities, and the passenger train experience. The visit also highlighted the role of the national railway network in enhancing connectivity between the various emirates of the UAE, particularly Fujairah, a key hub on the East Coast.
Azra Al Mansouri, Executive Director of Commercial Passenger Services at Etihad Rail, said that the gradual launch of passenger train services will begin this year at three main stations: Fujairah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. She noted that operations will be implemented gradually and in carefully planned phases to ensure the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency from day one, in line with global best practices in operating passenger rail networks.
She stated that the passenger rail network, in its final stages, will connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Al Dhaid, Al Dhanna, Al Faya, Madinat Zayed, Mezairaa, Al Marfa, and Sila. Initial routes will connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah during the phased rollout of the service.
Abu Dhabi and Fujairah will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
She added that the journey between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, while the journey between Dubai and Fujairah will take around 1 hour and 9 minutes, with operating speeds reaching up to 200 kilometers per hour. This will significantly improve travel times between the emirates compared to traditional modes of transport, providing a new option for daily commuters, families, business travelers, and tourists.
She explained that Fujairah Station is the first fully completed passenger station on the network and is located near Fujairah International Airport, Sakamkam Fort, and Umbrella Beach, enhancing its connectivity to vital facilities and tourist attractions in the emirate. Its strategic location also facilitates access from various parts of Fujairah.
She emphasized that the passenger station will have a significant economic and social impact by transforming how people travel to the Emirate of Fujairah from other emirates, whether for work, family visits, or access to hospitals and services. It will also support economic activity and stimulate sectors related to transportation, tourism, and services.
She noted that each train will have a capacity of 400 passengers when fully operational, while the expected annual capacity of the passenger train fleet will reach approximately 10 million passengers, as part of a transportation system aimed at providing a modern, reliable, and comfortable mode of travel between the emirates.
She added that the passenger train services and station facilities include a range of features designed to enhance passenger comfort, such as Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, fold-down tables, ample legroom, and dedicated storage for large luggage. In addition, facilities are available to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, along with clear signage, parking spaces, and support teams to assist passengers.