Etihad Rail to boost tourism, trade and connectivity through Fujairah

The field visit recently organized by Etihad Rail for various media outlets to Fujairah Station, the first fully completed passenger station within the railway network, has revealed the modernity of the equipment, the ingenuity of the construction work, the beauty of the architectural building and the luxury of the train with its modern facilities.

The visit reflects a high level of readiness as the gradual operation of the passenger train approaches this year, in a step that enhances the national transport system and supports the state’s orientations towards developing a more efficient and sustainable infrastructure.

The tour has also highlighted the ingenuity of the project’s infrastructure implementation at the level of the station and its facilities, the luxury of the train’s classes and the services provided to passengers.

The trial trip from Fujairah to Al Bithnah and getting to know the geography of the rail route and the landscapes it crosses all demonstrate the operational efficiency and the level of comfort expected for passengers when the actual service begins.

Strategic project

The Fujairah station is a strategic project that enhances the emirate’s position within the national transport network, as it provides a direct connection that supports the movement of individuals and the business sector.

Extending over an area of 51,900 square metres, the station was designed to be a pivotal centre that contributes to strengthening the national economy and supporting such vital sectors as health, housing, education, tourism and culture, thus enhancing Fujairah’s attractiveness as an integrated development and tourist destination.

It plays a leading role in achieving social security by providing the opportunity to access different destinations at the state level, especially for workers and students who are connected to other emirates on a daily basis, away from the use of vehicles that have a negative impact on the environment.

400 passengers

According to Etihad Rail, the train can accommodate about 400 passengers and has a speed of up to 200 kilometers per hour with two classes of travel available: Premium and Comfort.

It also offers a range of modern services including high-speed internet, restrooms and a variety of meal options, ensuring a comfortable and safe travel experience that allows passengers to make the most of their time according to their interests.

The train carriages are designed to serve various segments of society, including families, children, businessmen, senior citizens and people of determination, through an integrated transportation system that takes into account the highest standards of comfort, ease of movement and quality of experience.

The announcement of the completion of Fujairah station as one of 11 stations within the railway network that connects all the emirates of the country was met with overwhelming joy and eager anticipation for the travel experience.

A number of those who Al Khaleej spoke to agreed on the importance of the project on both the economic and social levels, describing it as an exceptional achievement that is in line with the vision of the wise leadership and its forward-looking approach to the future.

A landmark in transportation

“The Etihad Rail station in Fujairah represents a landmark in the transportation system. I was delighted to experience entering the station building, which was designed to international standards and inspired by the future-oriented and advanced vision that the UAE is witnessing. It combines passenger comfort and easy access to services in addition to service areas such as parking spaces, directional signs, electronic devices for train tickets, and much more,” Saeed Mahboob, a UAE national, said.

“The choice of the station’s location reflects the importance of the emirate as a strategic location to serve the region in various fields. It also enjoys unique economic and tourism assets close to the station’s location, which will contribute in the future to drawing up development plans and linking them to the new transportation movement, which will open up communication channels quickly and appropriately during the coming years,” he added.

“I was impressed by the Etihad train with its advanced facilities including two cabins that provide an unparalleled travel experience that will serve a large segment of the society, whether they work or study in one emirate and live in another, in addition to exploring landmarks and tourist sites across the country. It will also open up great investment opportunities through the train’s movement to and from Fujairah, which will enhance the economic system,” he said.

An exceptional historical achievement

“This exceptional historical achievement came through the wise vision and sound directives of our wise leadership, which places the well-being of citizens and residents as well as the competitiveness of the nation at the forefront of its priorities. It is based on the wise leadership’s firm belief in the capabilities of nationals and its bid to empower them to lead the major strategic projects that make a difference in the path of growth and prosperity, Anwar Mohammed Al Awadhi, a UAE national, said.

“The Etihad Rail project embodies the leadership’s vision of building a better tomorrow. It is not just an advanced transportation network, but a developmental and civilizational monument that forms a fundamental pillar for building the future of the UAE and places it among the most advanced countries in the infrastructure and logistics sector,” he added.

Al Awadhi affirmed that Etihad Rail is a truly Emirati success story, reflecting an ambition that knows no bounds, transforming economic visions into a tangible reality that serves humanity and creating a sustainable legacy that future generations will be proud of.

Economic and social impact

Abdullah Yaqoub Al Ali, a UAE national, believes that the Etihad Rail project is one of the most important strategic projects that enhances the UAE’s position in the transport and logistics sector, given its significant economic and social impact on the country in general, and the Emirate of Fujairah in particular.

Economically, Etihad Rail facilitates the movement of goods among the emirates with greater speed and efficiency, reducing transportation costs and boosting domestic and international trade, he said.

It also supports ports and industrial zones by connecting them to a modern and sustainable transport network and contributes to attracting investments and creating new job opportunities in the transport, services, and infrastructure sectors, he added.

The project represents a quantum leap due to Fujairah’s strategic location and its vital port, as the efficiency of transporting goods and various materials to and from the port will increase, which will enhance economic activity and raise the importance of the emirate as an important logistics hub in the region, he said.

The project will also contribute to stimulating tourism and trade and facilitating the movement of individuals in the future, while it will enhance social cohesion among the emirates of the country by providing safer and more sustainable means of transport, he added.

In addition, the project will reduce congestion, accidents and carbon emissions, which will positively reflect on the quality of life of the society and the sustainability of the environment in the UAE, he said.

Supporting tourism and investment

Meanwhile, Judy Zaza, an expatriate, said, “The launch of Etihad Rail is a strategic step that enhances the UAE’s position as a global hub for transportation and logistics, given its significant economic and social impact on the various emirates, especially Fujairah.”

The project is expected to contribute to stimulating trade, supporting the tourism and investment sectors and facilitating travel among the emirates in a faster and more sustainable way, she added.

The project will also contribute to connecting Fujairah with the rest of the emirates despite the geographical distance, which will enhance social cohesion, shorten distances and open new prospects for job, development and economic opportunities in line with the country’s vision for a more advanced and sustainable future, she said.