Passengers can book Etihad Rail tickets via the Etihad Rail app or website. ETIHAD RAIL/EXPAT MEDIA

The UAE’s long-awaited passenger rail service has attracted strong public interest, with more than 5,000 travellers booking seats within two days of ticket sales opening, according to Etihad Rail. As of Saturday (June 27), tickets to the maiden June 30 trips were sold out, while tickets for July 1 onwards were mostly sold out. Tickets for other dates were selling fast. The surge in bookings comes ahead of the launch of passenger operations between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on Tuesday (June 30), marking the start of the introductory operational phase of the UAE’s national passenger railway network. Etihad Rail also announced that its newly launched booking platform quickly became the country’s most downloaded free mobile application after ticket sales opened.

First phase launches June 30

Passengers can now search routes, buy tickets, choose seats and manage their bookings through the Etihad Rail mobile app and dedicated booking website. The initial service will connect Abu Dhabi and Fujairah beginning June 30. A second expansion phase is scheduled to begin on September 30, adding services linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah. Additional stations in Al Dhafra and Sharjah will be introduced in later phases. “For years, people have watched the railway taking shape across the UAE. Today, they can open an app, buy a ticket and become part of the story themselves,” said Azza AlSuwaidi, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Rail.

Etihad Rail fares start from Dh55

Introductory fares for the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route start at Dh55 in Comfort Class and Dh120 in Premium Class. Comfort Class passengers will have access to reserved seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets and luggage space, while Premium Class travellers will enjoy wider seats and complimentary refreshments. Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial at Etihad Rail Mobility, said the pricing model was designed to balance affordability and convenience. “We have designed our offering to provide customers with a combination of affordability, comfort and flexibility, while giving them the freedom to choose the option that best suits their travel needs,” Almansoori said. Passenger services will be operated by Etihad Rail Mobility, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis. The passenger network was first announced as part of the UAE’s Projects of the 50 initiative and is expected to become a key component of the country’s future transport infrastructure. CAM/Expat Media
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