A national occasion and a long-awaited dream

With the whistle of the first passenger train from Fujairah Station to Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi, yesterday morning, a new page began in the country’s transportation system, amid a festive atmosphere in which hundreds of passengers participated, who were keen to be among the first travelers on the historic journey, which they described their participation in as a national occasion that will remain in memory.

From the early hours of dawn, passengers flocked to the station wearing scarves bearing the UAE flag, while others raised Emirati flags and took souvenir photos in front of the train, before attention turned to the moment of departure, which turned into a national occasion in which feelings of pride and pride were mixed with a new achievement added to the record of state projects.

The Executive Director of the Commercial Sector at Etihad Rail for Passenger Services, Adhraa Al Mansouri, confirmed to Emirates Today that the first trip was distinguished by the provision of a free menu that continued throughout the first week, prepared by Emirati hands and with local flavours, with the aim of providing a hospitality experience that reflects the Emirati identity and gives passengers an additional sense of belonging and pride.

She added that yesterday was dedicated to celebrating passengers, stressing that the scenes of families gathering at the stations, and passengers documenting the moments of boarding the train and taking pictures before the start of the first trip, reflected the impact that this project will have on people’s lives.

Citizen Abdullah Muhammad Al-Dhanhani described the inauguration of the first flight as “a nation’s joy,” noting that the project provides a modern means of transportation at reasonable prices, expressing his thanks to the wise leadership for this achievement.

Abdul Latif Mohammed confirmed that the booking procedures were easy and the prices were reasonable, noting that he had been waiting for this moment since the start of the project’s implementation. He said: “I came with my son to live this experience together, because it is a national occasion that will not be repeated and will remain in the memory.” As for his child son, Rashid Abdul Latif, he did not hide his enthusiasm as he experienced the first trip, saying: “I am very happy to be riding the Etihad train.”

Citizen Khalifa Khamis Mattar Al Kaabi said that the opening of the first Etihad Railways station in Fujairah embodies a long-awaited dream.

The positive impressions were not limited to the national passengers only, as other travelers praised the level of comfort, calm and smoothness of the trip, as Krishna Manipalan, who traveled with a group of her friends, said that the calm inside the train and the speed of arrival were the most prominent thing that caught her attention.

Rizwana Shawkat Safdri said that her children were impatiently waiting for this day, stressing that the trip was comfortable and easy, in contrast to the difficulty she was accustomed to traveling with children.

Thanfi Qadir, who used the train on a business trip, confirmed that the service represents a transformation in the way of transportation, as it allowed him to complete his work, make calls, and prepare for his meetings before arriving at his destination.

---

Al-Balushi…the first passenger

The first journey was not without a remarkable humanitarian story, after Hamad Mansoor Al Balushi, a person of determination, was chosen to be the first passenger on board the train, holding ticket No. (1), and sitting in seat No. (1), after winning the “The Passenger Who Represents Us All” initiative, launched by “Etihad Rails” to honor a personality who made a positive impact on society.

Al Balushi said that he was not aware of his nomination for the initiative, as he received a call from the Etihad Rail team informing him of his selection, describing that call as one of the most beautiful surprises he had ever experienced in his life.

He added: “I felt very proud. This is not just a trip for me. Rather, it is a great honor to be part of a national event that will remain in the memory of the Emirates. When I sat in the first seat of the first cabin, I realized that this was not my trip alone, but rather the beginning of millions of trips to come.”

His sister, Anfal Al Balushi, revealed that she was the one who nominated him for the initiative, saying that she did not hesitate to register her brother, because she sees in him a true example of persistence and determination, stressing that he defied his visual disability, continued his education, and worked hard to build his future, and is also keen to participate in volunteer work and community initiatives.