{
  "id": 10680525,
  "title": "Etihad Rail aims for 10 million passengers a year under expansion plan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/etihad-rail-aims-for-10-million-passengers-a-year-under-expansion-plan",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-29T11:31:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/09/29/etihad-rail-aiming-for-10-million-passengers-per-year-under-expansion-plan/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nEtihad 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.\n\nIn 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.",
  "summary": "A senior Etihad Rail official has set out plans to attract 10 million passengers a year as the network's expansion gathers pace with the launch of its first train station in Dubai. Ameera Alkhlaifi, director of strategy and performance at Etihad Rail, spoke of the ambitious vision for the future after revealing 150,000 people have already travelled on the Abu Dhab i-Fujairah route in its first…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Etihad Rail Dubai-Abu Dhabi: Fares, stations and what to know before launch",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/etihad-rail-dubai-abu-dhabi-fares-stations-and-what-to-know-before",
        "published": "2026-09-25T12:22:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Arabian Business",
        "title": "UAE petrol prices, Dubai rents, Etihad Rail launch: 10 stories you missed this week",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/uae-petrol-prices-dubai-rents-etihad-rail-launch-10-stories-you",
        "published": "2026-09-25T21:17:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Small town, big dreams: How Etihad Rail will put Sharjah's Al Dhaid on the map",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/small-town-big-dreams-how-etihad-rail-will-put-sharjahs-al-dhaid-on",
        "published": "2026-09-27T02:00:01.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Construction Week Online",
        "title": "Etihad Rail reveals Dubai-Abu Dhabi train timings ahead of September 30 launch",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/etihad-rail-reveals-dubai-abu-dhabi-train-timings-ahead-of-september",
        "published": "2026-09-29T07:20:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}