{
  "id": 10682974,
  "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-10682974",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T11:31:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "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 goal of transporting 10 million passengers annually as its network expands, following the launch of its first train station in Dubai. Ameera Alkhlaifi, the director of strategy and performance at Etihad Rail, shared this vision after revealing that the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route had already attracted 150,000 passengers during its first three months of operation. She highlighted the high demand for train travel in the Emirates, noting that the network has provided an option for around 150,000 people to travel between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.\n\nThe Sharjah Al Dhaid station is scheduled to open on September 30, though ticket sales are not yet available online. Ten stations will be operational by March 30 under the first phase of the network expansion. Ms Alkhlaifi emphasized the company's vision to continue adding stations and reach the ambitious 10 million passenger target once the network is fully completed.\n\nThe Dubai station will be connected directly to the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station via a pedestrian bridge, aiming to make the journey seamless without the need for multiple transport options. Passengers can also continue their trip by bus, taxi, or rental car, with parking facilities available at the station.\n\nEtihad Rail has been collaborating with transport authorities across the UAE to ensure that the new stations are well-integrated with existing public transport systems. Ms Alkhlaifi stated that the new service will offer residents more certainty when traveling between cities, allowing them to travel easily, safely, and comfortably.\n\nMoreover, the network is expected to support the UAE's efforts to reduce transport emissions by providing an alternative to cars for inter-city journeys. Ms Alkhlaifi highlighted that the passenger rail network is one of the most sustainable modes of transportation, contributing to the UAE's net zero vision. Etihad Rail has indicated that the company will continue to monitor passenger usage, noting that early journeys between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah have shown a diverse range of reasons for train travel, including hospital visits and family visits. The network's expansion is ongoing, with more stations set to open in the coming months.",
  "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."
}