The first passenger train station of the 'Etihad Rail' project was unveiled in Fujairah; a place where the future of travel in the UAE is set to begin.

The station building, with its modern design and a combination of cream and gray colors, has a bright and forward-looking atmosphere. Natural light entering through large windows, along with LED lighting, conveys a sense of an advanced terminal to travelers, where the travel experience is not just about transportation but part of a new urban living experience.

During the official visit, the ruler of Fujairah, along with a group of senior officials, toured the facilities of this station and even took a short ride on the train. This visit was not just a symbolic opening; it was a sign of the approaching project that is set to change the country's transportation map.

One interesting detail of the station is the presence of guide robots. Devices with touch screens that welcome travelers and provide them with travel information. Alongside this, ticket vending machines allow for the purchase and collection of tickets, whether printed or digital. Access to the platform is also done by scanning a QR code; a familiar experience for metro users, but on a larger scale.

However, the most important aspect of the story is what this station leads to: a change in the timing and style of travel.

According to plans, 'Etihad Rail' passenger services will begin gradually in 2026. In the first phase, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah will be connected, and ultimately this network will cover 11 cities and regions.

What does this mean? It means that a route that currently takes more than 2.5 hours by car will be reduced to about 100 minutes by train. The journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi will also take less than an hour.

Trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour and each will have a capacity of about 400 passengers. The existence of different travel classes and more space for luggage makes this system a serious option for daily and even business travel.

Ultimately, this project is not just a railway line; it is a change in lifestyle. From reducing travel time to easier access to tourist attractions and economic opportunities, everything indicates that the UAE is preparing itself for the next phase of transportation.

Source: Gulf Times