{
  "id": 10914698,
  "title": "‘Full of goosebumps’: First passengers hail Etihad Rail’s debut Dubai–Abu Dhabi service",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/full-of-goosebumps-first-passengers-hail-etihad-rails-debut-dubai-abu",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T09:52:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/uae/abu-dhabi/full-of-goosebumps-first-passengers-hail-etihad-rails-debut-dubaiabu-dhabi-service-1.500693332"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Abu Dhabi: Katerina DjKattyLeen, the first rider on Etihad Rail's Dubai to Abu Dhabi service, was captivated by the experience. The long commute between the two cities has traditionally involved traffic and parking woes. Etihad Rail's inaugural train service, launched from Al Yalayis Station in Dubai at 6.14am, arrived in Abu Dhabi at 7.18am. Katerina purchased two tickets, one in Premium and one in Comfort, to compare the classes. She was particularly impressed by the quality of the cutlery, made from palm tree fibers. Sultan Lootah, who works in Abu Dhabi, called the journey \"amazing\" and a \"different experience\" compared to the Dubai Metro. He valued the time saved and the stress-free travel. Omar El-Gahed, an engineer based in Dubai, noted that the train could change his daily routine, potentially becoming a daily commute. The day's celebrations included live performances, with passengers greeted with music and dance upon arrival. Each passenger received a commemorative gift, including a souvenir coin and luggage tag.",
  "summary": "Abu Dhabi: \"I was full of goosebumps,\" Katerina DjKattyLeen, the first passenger to ride Etihad Rail from Dubai to Abu Dhabi said when she arrived. For years, the trip between Dubai and Abu Dhabi has meant a long drive, heavy traffic and a search for parking at the other end. Today, that changed. Etihad Rail's passenger service between the two cities carried its first travelers, and the people on…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Dubai's Etihad Rail service launches as first train sets off for Abu Dhabi",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/dubais-etihad-rail-service-launches-as-first-train-sets-off-for-abu",
        "published": "2026-09-30T02:34:53.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Etihad Rail officially launches passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Dubai",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/etihad-rail-officially-launches-passenger-services-between-abu-dhabi",
        "published": "2026-09-30T06:06:43.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Economic Times",
        "title": "Dubai-Abu Dhabi by train: Etihad Rail begins service",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/dubai-abu-dhabi-by-train-etihad-rail-begins-service",
        "published": "2026-09-30T08:03:27.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times - World News",
        "title": "First Etihad Rail passenger train completes Dubai-Abu Dhabi journey in 1 hour: Check details",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/first-etihad-rail-passenger-train-completes-dubai-abu-dhabi-journey",
        "published": "2026-09-30T09:37:28.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Euronews",
        "title": "You can now travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai by train",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/you-can-now-travel-between-abu-dhabi-and-dubai-by-train",
        "published": "2026-09-30T10:51:37.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}