The UAE’s Etihad Rail is set to transform the country’s transportation landscape with the unveiling of its passenger trains, offering comfort, speed, and scenic views for travelers.
In a recent social media video, engineer Kholoud Al Mazrouei, one of the few female engineers on the Etihad Rail team, provided a glimpse into the future of UAE rail travel.
According to Al Mazrouei, the passenger trains will have a capacity of approximately 400 people per train, divided into business and economy class compartments.
The business class will feature 16 seats, while the economy class will have 56 seats per compartment. However, the exact configuration of each train, including the number of compartments, has yet to be finalized.
The video also showcased a test journey aboard a prototype train, where Al Mazrouei was joined by Emirati train captain Ibrahim Al Hammadi and content creator Shehab Al Hashemi.
The group took a ride on the test train, providing a preview of the smooth, high-speed journey passengers can expect.
Al Mazrouei emphasized that while the trains will travel at speeds of 200 km/h, passengers will experience a smooth and calm ride, free from the usual vibrations associated with high-speed travel.
“We are running at exactly 200 km/h, yet you can feel calm and comfortable,” Al Mazrouei explained in the video. “You can reach your desired destination relaxed.”
The experience is expected to be a far cry from the stresses of road travel, especially in the congested urban areas of the UAE.
For many residents, the launch of Etihad Rail’s passenger service could mark the end of long commutes and parking hassles.
Content creator Shehab Al Hashemi, who frequently travels between Dubai and other emirates, expressed his excitement about the new rail system.
“I often need to travel to Dubai or other emirates at least two to three times a week,” he said.
“The trains will solve this problem radically because there is Wi-Fi, and you won’t have to worry about finding parking or distractions. This will allow you to concentrate on your work.”
The train’s onboard amenities, such as Wi-Fi, catering, and hospitality services, will offer a comfortable environment for both leisure and business travelers.
The design of the train’s seats is aimed at maximizing comfort, with light grey upholstery and spacious seating arrangements, complete with headrests embossed with the Etihad Rail logo.
The test train’s cabins also feature brown tables between some seats, contributing to a relaxed and functional travel experience.
The route itself promises to offer a unique travel experience, showcasing some of the UAE’s natural beauty.
Al Mazrouei highlighted the train’s scenic journey, noting that passengers will be able to see landmarks, forests, and landscapes they would otherwise miss when traveling by car.
“Our route is different than the usual roads, so you can see different views and landscapes such as the Almaha forests and the natural beauty of Fujairah,” she said.
The Etihad Rail network, once completed, will stretch over 900 kilometers, connecting all seven emirates and 11 major cities, from Ghuweifat in the west to Fujairah in the east.
The network will not only transform domestic travel but will also make the UAE the first Gulf country to connect its rail system with neighboring nations, marking a significant step in regional integration.
As the Etihad Rail project progresses, the country is poised for a revolution in public transportation, offering efficient, eco-friendly, and comfortable travel for residents and visitors alike.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members