Etihad Rail’s much-anticipated passenger service is being tipped to ship a serious enhance to tourism on the UAE’s “hidden gem” east coast.
With operations set to begin subsequent 12 months, the prepare will rework the lengthy drive from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah into a snug 105-minute journey, shaving about an hour off the journey time.
It would additionally carry a spot of historical forts, epic mountain trails, the UAE’s oldest mosque, pristine seashores and diving centres inside putting distance of individuals throughout the Emirates who shouldn’t have easy accessibility to a automobile.
The Nationwide spoke to consultants in a number of fields – from hoteliers to tourism consultants – to gauge the potential results of the brand new service.
“For years, Fujairah has been a little bit of a hidden gem – gorgeous seashores, serene landscapes and a extra laidback ambiance,” stated Nicolas Chammaa, basic supervisor of Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa in Al Aqah.
“However the problem has at all times been accessibility. A cushty, scenic prepare journey from Abu Dhabi or Dubai will open up an entire new stage of ease and connection to our vacation spot.
“I’ve personally heard from a number of company who’re trying ahead to the launch of the prepare service,” he stated. “There’s an actual sense of anticipation.”
Pleasure is constructing as bold plans take form. Final weekend, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, travelled on an Etihad Rail prepare from Dubai to Fujairah.
Footage of the journey confirmed the prepare passing by way of spectacular surroundings, giving a glimpse at what awaits passengers.
The community will join 11 cities and areas and is predicted to move 36 million passengers by 2030.
The primary 4 stations will probably be in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah. The Fujairah station is in Sakamkam, near the town, which might function a base to entry the cluster of motels at Al Aqah and the Sharjah coastal cities of Kalba and Khor Fakkan.
Mr Chammaa stated the launch could be a milestone “not only for the emirate, however for the tourism sector throughout the east coast” and there was “little question” the road would result in a rise in guests to its motels. His lodge would additionally take into account a shuttle bus to the station.
“A devoted shuttle service from the brand new station to our resort – and probably in collaboration with neighbouring motels – would make a variety of sense,” stated Mr Chammaa. “If it enhances the visitor expertise and brings added worth, we’re on board.”
Knowledge from world journey intelligence platform Mabrian about guests to Fujairah over the previous 5 years exhibits that they’re motivated by energetic tourism (22 per cent), tradition and humanities (21.8 per cent), solar and seaside (21.1 per cent), and nature and outdoor (11.4 per cent).
Carlos Cendra, Mabrian companion and advertising and marketing and communications director, stated prepare connectivity performs an important position in encouraging weekend getaways and brief breaks whereas including worth to longer itineraries throughout the nation.
“As our information intelligence reveals, Fujairah is well-positioned to capitalise on this,” he stated.
Mr Mabrian stated the railway could possibly be a “game-changer” for the area and probably enhance each home and short-haul visits.
“It is going to be significantly interesting to travellers, particularly worldwide ones, enthusiastic about exploring lesser-known components of the UAE that had been beforehand much less accessible,” he stated.
“The important thing will probably be making certain that native journey companies, from lodging and eating to actions, are ready to soak up and help the demand introduced by this new infrastructure.”
Extra in regards to the service is predicted to be revealed over the approaching months. The operator has beforehand stated trains will journey at as much as 200kph and may carry about 400 passengers. Carriages will probably be outfitted with Wi-Fi, leisure techniques, charging factors and foods and drinks choices.
Crucially, it’s anticipated the railway will probably be built-in with current public transport and taxis. That is essential because the Al Aqah strip, for instance, is greater than a 40km drive north of the deliberate station.
“Rail entry usually drives extra funding akin to new motels and leisure points of interest,” stated Martin Tillman, transport skilled and founding father of TMP Seek the advice of. He stated it might be “transformational” for tourism throughout the UAE.
“The important thing from a transportation standpoint is to make sure that there are a number of onward transport choices between the station at Fujairah and its resorts, metropolis centre and points of interest in order that guests have a handy, sustainable and seamless strategy to attain their chosen vacation spot.”
There are additionally plans to develop a luxurious prepare service within the UAE. Introduced in 2023, with the launch date but to be revealed, Etihad Rail struck a take care of Italian luxurious hospitality firm Arsenale for trains to cross the UAE from Fujairah to the Liwa desert in Abu Dhabi. The scheme echoes nice railway journeys such because the Orient Categorical.
“Throughout Europe and the Americas there are lots of rail tour operators providing escorted and unescorted packages by rail with lodging, native excursions and experiences,” stated Harold Goodwin, a worldwide skilled in accountable and sustainable tourism. “Rail creates alternatives to complement the vacationer expertise and generate income.”
Different international locations have skilled the advantages of rail. Spain’s first AVE (high-speed) line opened between Madrid and Seville through the Expo 1992 occasion. Right this moment, says Mr Cendra, Spain’s nationwide state-owned railway Renfe operates 335 high-speed and long-distance trains every day.
“It has been particularly efficient in connecting areas that beforehand lacked sturdy transport choices akin to northern Spain, whereas additionally enhancing accessibility to high-demand locations like Catalonia, Andalusia and the Valencia area,” he stated.
“In line with official statistics, 39 per cent of AVE and long-distance prepare passengers journey for leisure functions, demonstrating rail’s sturdy alignment with tourism demand.”
The rail journey from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to the east coast travels throughout rolling sand dunes, previous palm tree-fringed villages earlier than passing by way of the mountains and arriving on the coast. An arduous and tiring journey only a few a long time in the past will now be certainly one of consolation and ease.
The passenger service has the potential to “considerably enhance demand and open up new improvement alternatives throughout the area”, stated Paul Stevens, chief working officer for the Center East, Africa and Turkey at hospitality group Accor.
“We see this as a strategic shift in connectivity that aligns with our long-term view of sustainable tourism growth throughout the UAE, together with in high-potential locations like Fujairah,” he stated.
Mr Chammaa stated many individuals are simply starting to find simply how a lot Fujairah has to supply.
“With the brand new rail connection, extra residents and travellers will lastly get the prospect to discover this facet of the nation,” he stated.
“We’re proud to be a part of a neighborhood that blends authenticity, nature, and hospitality – and we’re able to welcome everybody who’s curious to expertise it.”
Title: Dhabia Khalifa AlQubaisi
Age: 23
How she spends spare time: Taking part in with cats on the clinic and feeding them
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Identified as The Woman of Arabic Music, Umm Kulthum carried out in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as half of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A live performance corridor was constructed for the occasion on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The viewers had been handled to many of Kulthum’s most well-known songs as half of the sold-out present, together with Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
First Take a look at: Begins Thursday, Lord’s, 2pm (UAE)
Second Take a look at: July 14-18, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 2pm
Third Take a look at: The Oval, London, July 27-31, 2pm
Fourth Take a look at: Outdated Trafford, Manchester, August 4-8
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