AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI AND YOUSUF SAIFFUDIN (ABU DHABI)
Tickets for Etihad Rail's maiden passenger trips are nearly sold out, highlighting the pent-up excitement of residents who have long awaited the railway's launch. For many in the UAE - especially those who live in one emirate and work in another - the arrival of intercity rail is a "game-changer".
The passenger rail kicks off an introductory operational phase on June 30, with trains running between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in one hour and 45 minutes. Trips are scheduled in the morning, afternoon, and evening. And with only a few seats left for June 30 as of Tuesday evening, demand has spoken for itself.
The daily routine of Saleh Mohammad, who works in Abu Dhabi and lives in Fujairah, is bound to change once the trains are up and running. He looks forward to days that are more relaxed and, at the same time, more productive.
"The length of time I spend behind the wheel is one of the main obstacles to commuting from Fujairah," he told Aletihad. "I could make better use of that journey time with Etihad Rail, whether it's finishing off work or just relaxing before the day starts."
UAE resident Shumaila Naseem can also see herself taking the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah train regularly, and she believes the Abu Dhabi–Dubai connection is equally valuable.
"Fujairah opens up more opportunities for staycations, while Dubai would be ideal for quick trips and airport transfers," said Naseem, who works as an analyst.
She already has the train journey mapped out in her head: sending e-mails, catching up on reading, or watching the landscape roll by.
"Having travelled by rail in both the US and Pakistan, I've seen how much easier and more connected travel becomes when a strong rail system is in place," said the expat, who was born and raised in the UAE.
Another Abu Dhabi resident, Zakiul Alam, said the rail will be "a game-changer" for him and his wife, particularly when they travel for work. "The Dubai station looks good for work-related travel twice a week," he said.
Copywriter Rashida Badlawala makes the daily commute from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. And she is now eager to see what Etihad Rail can do for that journey — both in cutting the nearly two-hour travel time and making the trip less draining.
"I'm hoping to see affordable weekly or monthly passes for regular travellers, along with strong last-mile connections from stations to key destinations," she said.
Jamal Ali, a Sharjah resident who works in Abu Dhabi, believes the train will help him maintain a better work-life balance. "Instead of getting caught in traffic, the train may give people more time with their family and make daily travel more predictable," he said.
For residents who drive daily between Abu Dhabi city and the emirate's regions, better connectivity promises not only convenience but wider economic opportunity.
Ahmed Alhosani, who works in Al Marfa and lives in Abu Dhabi city, said: "Distant places seem much closer thanks to initiatives like Etihad Rail. Improved transportation connections can boost regional economies and ease employees' commutes."
Mariam Alzaabi, who also makes the regular Abu Dhabi–Al Dhafra journey, pointed to the comfort factor. "A rail service would make travelling more comfortable and inspire more people to think about working across the nation," she said.
Beyond the daily commute, residents believe the passenger rail would serve as a catalyst for domestic travel.
Badlawala, who also creates travel content, said improved connectivity could make it easier to seek out the UAE's hidden gems.
Mohammad agreed: "The travel distance could make some individuals reluctant to make quick getaways. With a railway connection, weekend travel may be much more convenient and appealing."