Paying passengers have been welcomed aboard the United Arab Emirates’ first national rail service as the initial phase of a long-awaited express train network that will eventually connect 11 cities across the region opened to the public.
The first service to run in the Middle Eastern country left Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman at 5:34 a.m. local time on Tuesday (9:34 p.m. ET on Monday). The inaugural service took an hour and 45 minutes to travel around 250 kilometers (155 miles) to reach Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in the capital Abu Dhabi at 7:19 a.m. (11:19 p.m. ET on Monday).
This was the first of six services set to run on the network’s first day, as operator Etihad Rail launched its “introductory operational phase,” according to a press release sent to CNN.
More than 10,000 tickets were sold for the new train service ahead of its launch, Etihad Rail said in the release.
Etihad Rail has promised its customers a “modern travel experience,” complete with air conditioning, onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets and reserved seating. Also on offer are “premium class services” for “greater comfort and convenience,” according to the company.
