{
  "id": 17248476,
  "title": "Etihad Rail sells 120,000 passenger tickets in first month of operations",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/etihad-rail-sells-120-000-passenger-tickets-in-first-month-of-17248476",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-30T15:03:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/10/30/etihad-rail-sells-120000-passenger-tickets-in-first-month-of-operations/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Etihad Rail achieved a milestone in its inaugural month of operations, selling over 120,000 passenger tickets following the official launch of the UAE's national passenger rail network on September 30. The maiden train service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi sparked significant enthusiasm, signaling a new era of connectivity between the two cities. Etihad Rail anticipates that its service will foster repeat ridership, with Adhraa Almansoori, executive director of commercial and support at Etihad Rail Mobility, emphasizing the company's ambition for passenger rail to become an integral part of daily life for its passengers. Since the launch, four stations have been operational: Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed City, Dubai Al Yalayis, Al Dhaid, and Fujairah. The robust response during the first month underscores passengers' confidence in this novel mode of transport, reinforcing Etihad Rail's commitment to refine its services based on passengers' needs and expectations. This dedication aligns with the broader vision of the UAE's wise leadership to revolutionize mobility across the country. Etihad Rail announced on August 3 that ticket sales for the introductory service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah surpassed 70,000 since its inception on June 30. Two additional stations in Al Dhafra, including Madinat Zayed and Liwa, are set to open on November 30, ahead of the region's winter festivities. Further expansion includes the opening of Al Sila, Al Mirfa, and Al Dhannah stations on December 30, followed by the addition of Sharjah's University City station on March 30, 2027. Future developments encompass a planned Dubai station and a connection to Oman through Hafeet Rail, as part of the extensive GCC Railway network, with aspirations to become operational by 2030.",
  "summary": "Etihad Rail has sold more than 120,000 passenger tickets in its first month of operations after the official launch of the UAE's national passenger rail network on September 30. The inaugural train service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi generated significant excitement, marking a new era of connectivity for both cities. Etihad Rail expects its service will encourage repeat ridership. \"Our ambition…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}