Play01:05Etihad Rail's first passenger service departs FujairahFirst passenger service set off from Fujairah at 5:34amEtihad Rail's first passenger service left the Fujairah station for Abu Dhabi at 5:34am on Tuesday, marking the start of the UAE's long-awaited national rail service. Hundreds of excited travellers participated in the milestone moment when the first train set off from Fujairah's Al Hilal City station. “My siblings encouraged me to go on the train. They said it was opening on June 30, but I was sure it would be fully booked,” said Emirati passenger Noha Alnaqbi, who managed to secure a ticket through the Etihad Rail app.Originally from Khorfakkan, Alnaqbi said she felt pride and excitement to have the opportunity. “It's not just the happiness of one person or one family. It's the happiness of a nation.”Festivities began at the station at 5:00am with a traditional Emirati men's dance. Passengers were offered hot Arabic coffee, cookies and Barakat’s Ghaf wellness shots. A mascot, representing a character from the popular Emirati cartoon show Freej, greeted passengers.The train trip to Abu Dhabi's Mohamed bin Zayed City station will take about one hour and 45 minutes, slashing the typical journey time between the emirates when travelling by car by about an hour. The train, with a maximum speed of up to 200 km/h, will offer passengers a scenic route to savour through the rugged mountain terrain.Etihad Rail's passenger fleet comprises 13 trains, each with a capacity of 400 passengers and a top speed of 200kph.The UAE's new train stations will feature amenities including cafes, restaurants and shops. Dining options will also be available on board.Updated: June 30, 2026, 2:57 AM