DUBAI: Etihad Rail announced on Tuesday that initial passenger services would start on June 30 between Abu Dhabi and the eastern emirate of Fujairah taking just 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The announcement came as Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed inaugurated the MBZ City Passenger Station and the unveiling of the UAE passenger rail network.
Etihad Rail also announced that train stations in Dubai and Al-Dhaid will open on Sept. 30, followed by the Al-Dhafra station on Dec. 30 and the Sharjah station on March 30 next year.
The train stations will have cafes, restaurants, retail outlets and several international brands, or passengers can opt for the onboard dining options while enroute to their destinations.
Fares on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route will start at AED55 ($15) for Comfort Class and AED120 for Premium Class. Passengers can book journeys on various platforms including the Etihad Rail mobile application and official website starting June 23.
Etihad Rail’s fleet comprises 13 trains, each with a capacity of up to 400 passengers. The rail system is projected to provide an estimated 36.5 million passenger journeys annually by 2030 across its 11-station network.
