Etihad Rail has sold more than 70,000 passenger tickets since launching its passenger service, with travellers increasingly choosing rail for business, leisure and family trips across the UAE.
The operator of the UAE’s national railway network said passengers are now booking their journeys an average of 12 days in advance, reflecting growing confidence in rail as part of everyday travel planning.
Booking trends
The company said advance bookings show that many passengers are planning trips around the railway rather than using it as a one-time experience.
Azza Al Suwaidi, Chief Operating Officer of Etihad Rail, said: “People aren’t simply trying the train out of curiosity. They’re planning around it. When customers are booking nearly two weeks ahead, it tells us passenger rail is already becoming part of how people organise their journeys. That is an important sign that rail is beginning to establish itself as a natural travel choice across the UAE.”
Diverse passengers
Etihad Rail said demand has come from a wide range of travellers, including families, business travellers, schools, leisure travellers and People of Determination.
Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial of Etihad Rail Mobility, said: “One of the most striking things we’ve seen is the diverse range of passengers choosing the train for their journeys across the UAE. This diversity highlights the role the passenger train is playing as a comfortable and reliable transport option that meets a wide range of travel needs, whether for family journeys, business travel, educational trips, leisure experiences, or exploring new destinations across the UAE.”
Network expansion
Etihad Rail said it will continue to increase passenger services during the introductory operational phase based on demand while maintaining its focus on safety, reliability and customer experience.
The passenger network is set to expand later this year, with Dubai and Al Dhaid stations scheduled to open on September 30, followed by Liwa and Madinat Zayed on November 30, the remaining Al Dhafra stations on December 30, and Sharjah on March 30, 2027.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
