ABU DHABI : Sales for Etihad Rail’s new passenger service have crossed 70,000 tickets within five weeks of launching commercial operations, reflecting high public demand for intercity rail travel across the United Arab Emirates.
The national rail network, which connects key urban centers and industrial hubs across all seven emirates, began passenger ticketing to provide a faster alternative to highway travel. Initial demand has been concentrated heavily along the Abu Dhabi to Dubai corridor, with operators adding train services during peak commuter hours to handle the volume.
Officials at Etihad Rail confirmed that operational reliability has remained above 98 percent during the opening month. Passengers have increasingly opted for rail to avoid traffic congestion on major arteries like the E11 highway.
“The response over the first five weeks demonstrates a clear shift toward sustainable mass transit in the country,” a spokesperson for Etihad Rail stated.
The passenger network forms part of the UAE’s broader National Railways Programme, designed to link major economic zones, ports, and population centers while reducing road transport emissions. Future expansions aim to connect the UAE network directly to neighboring GCC rail systems.
