{
  "id": 3754718,
  "title": "My first Etihad Rail journey gave me a sense of how trains knit nations together",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/my-first-etihad-rail-journey-gave-me-a-sense-of-how-trains-knit-3754718",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-27T14:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/2026/08/27/uae-etihad-rail-train-travel-tourism/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "My latest Etihad Rail journey provided insight into how railways connect countries. Prior to the launch of Etihad Rail passenger trains between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah earlier this summer, The National investigated the aspects of the new public transport system, from stations to tickets and onboard experience. One official stated that the network's potential is \"endless\". The first passenger described train travel as a \"special experience\", reflecting the pioneering spirit and excitement surrounding this potentially transformative moment for the UAE. As I boarded a recent train from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, one of the daily services now operating on the east coast, excitement filled the air. Some passengers took selfies, while others enjoyed the views, including ones through tunnels carved out of the Hajar Mountains. Returning to Abu Dhabi on an evening train, the journey had a similar vibe, passing camel farms and new developments emerging from the desert. The on-board service was excellent, with the novelty of train travel being a key factor in passengers' delight. I believe it's also about the change of perspective the journey provides, allowing us to see the country in a new light. Critics who doubted the need for a rail network, similar to those who feared Dubai Metro would only cater to tourists, turned out to be wrong. Etihad Rail has already sold tens of thousands of tickets, even with only two stations open. Interest is high, and demand is expected to grow once more stations open. This modern public transport system offers economic and social benefits worth billions of dirhams. Visitors, businesses, residents, and possibly even their pets will use the train to navigate the country. The staff at the hotel we stayed at in Fujairah were genuinely excited about our train journey, and we plan to return more frequently due to the time-saving benefits compared to road travel. The UAE's latest mass public transport network has immense potential.",
  "summary": "In the days prior to the launch of Etihad Rail passenger trains between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah earlier this summer, The National explored a host of angles about what to expect from the nation’s newest form of public transport, from what you might find at the network’s stations to ticketing arrangements and what the experience would be like on board. One official told us that the possibilities…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "My first Etihad Rail journey gave me a sense of how trains knit nations together",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/my-first-etihad-rail-journey-gave-me-a-sense-of-how-trains-knit",
        "published": "2026-08-27T14:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}