The authorities within the United Arab Emirates have formally introduced that the nation’s rail community, which was beforehand restricted to items transportation, will quickly accommodate passenger providers utilizing a high-speed prepare.
In accordance with Emirati officers, this marks a historic second because the Etihad Rail community, initially designed for freight, prepares to welcome its first passengers aboard each traditional and high-speed trains. Though the precise date for the launch of passenger providers has not but been revealed, expectations are excessive. The high-speed prepare from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is projected to cut back journey time to only half-hour.
The challenge goals to attach 11 cities, together with Al Sila and Fujairah, with key stops in Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, and Abu Dhabi. The primary confirmed stations might be in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah.
The preliminary journey instances introduced are as follows:
Abu Dhabi – Dubai (Quick Practice): 30 min abu dhabi – Dubai (Basic Practice): 57 min abu dhabi – ruwais: 1 h 10 min abu dhabi – fujaiirah: 1 h 45 min abu dhabi (oman): 1 h 40 min al ain – Sohar (Oman): 47 min
Listed below are some key particulars in regards to the upcoming prepare service: the trains might be designed by the Spanish producer CAF and can characteristic three consolation courses: first, enterprise, and economic system. An settlement with the Italian firm Arsenale signifies that high-quality providers might be obtainable on board. Though ticket costs haven’t but been introduced, it’s clear that the RTA of Dubai will collaborate on ticketing and cost, with potential integration with the Nol card at present used within the metropolis’s public transport system.
Whereas vacationers await the launch for passengers, Etihad Rail’s freight service is already operational. It operates with a fleet of 38 locomotives and over 1,000 wagons, able to transporting varied items throughout the Emirates, thereby serving to scale back the highway visitors. As well as, it is value noting {that a} connection to Oman, often called the Hafeet Rail, has been below development since Might 2024. This line will hyperlink the port of Sohar to the Emirates’ nationwide rail community.
