Etihad Rail aims for 10 million passengers a year under expansion plan

Etihad Rail has set an ambitious target of 10 million passengers annually as the railway network expands with the recent launch of its inaugural train station in Dubai. Ameera Alkhlaifi, director of strategy and performance at Etihad Rail, revealed that 150,000 individuals have already utilized the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route during its first three months of operation. This early success underscores the immense demand for train travel within the Emirates.

The media event held at Dubai's new Al Yalayis Station marked the opening of this crucial junction for passengers traveling between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. Ms Alkhlaifi emphasized that the station serves as a convenient alternative to other modes of transportation, with passengers able to seamlessly transition between the train, bus, taxi, or rental car services, with ample parking facilities available.

Etihad Rail has been collaborating with transport authorities across the UAE to integrate the new stations with existing public transportation systems. Ms Alkhlaifi highlighted that the introduction of the passenger rail network will provide residents with a reliable, safe, and comfortable means of inter-city travel, enabling them to plan their journeys with ease and predictability, knowing both departure and arrival times.

In addition to its role in facilitating inter-city journeys, the network is expected to contribute to the UAE's sustainability goals by offering a low-emission alternative to car travel. As a sustainable mode of transportation, the passenger rail network aligns with the UAE's net zero vision. Etihad Rail intends to continue monitoring passenger usage patterns, revealing that early journeys between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah demonstrate the train's versatility, with travelers employing it for various purposes such as hospital visits and family visits.