Etihad Train enhances Fujairah’s position on the national tourism map

Fujairah, July 4, 2017 – The launch of the first preliminary operational flights of the Etihad Passenger Train represented a milestone in the development of the tourism sector in the country.

The project is expected to contribute to enhancing domestic tourism, facilitating the movement of visitors between the emirates of the country, and opening new horizons for tourist destinations to benefit from a modern, safe and sustainable transportation network.

The Etihad Train enhances the connectivity system between the country’s cities, and opens broader horizons for discovering the natural, heritage, and cultural components that abound in the various emirates of the country, in a way that supports the local tourism movement, increases the attractiveness of tourist destinations, and keeps pace with the state’s vision of building an integrated infrastructure system that contributes to revitalizing the national economy and achieving sustainable development.

In Fujairah, which is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the country with its natural, heritage and cultural components, the launch of the first preliminary operational flights of the Etihad passenger train towards Abu Dhabi was received with a special atmosphere of joy, amid aspirations that the project will contribute to enhancing tourism movement to the emirate, expanding transportation options for visitors, and supporting various sectors related to tourism, which was confirmed by officials of the tourism sector in the emirate, who described the project as a strategic step that enhances Fujairah’s position on the national tourism map.

Saeed Abdullah Al Samahi, Director of the Department of Tourism and Antiquities in Fujairah, said that the opening of the Etihad Train Station in the emirate is a strategic step that strengthens Fujairah’s position on the national tourism map, and contributes to opening new horizons for economic growth by facilitating the movement of visitors between the various emirates of the country.

He added that the modern connection via the Etihad Train will give tourists and visitors a comfortable and safe option to reach Fujairah, which will support an increase in hotel occupancy rates and reflect positively on the hospitality sector and recreational and commercial activities related to tourism.

He pointed out that Fujairah possesses diverse tourism components that combine nature, heritage and culture, and that easy access to it via the national transportation network will enhance its attractiveness as a preferred destination for short trips and domestic tourism, in line with the state’s vision of developing an integrated infrastructure that supports sustainable development and advances the local economy.

The train station in Fujairah witnessed a remarkable presence of citizens and residents, who were keen to document this historical moment, expressing their pride in this achievement, which represents a qualitative leap in the transport sector, which contributes to facilitating movement between the emirates of the country, and is expected to reflect positively on the tourism movement in the emirate, and support its efforts in attracting more visitors.

The departure of flights from Fujairah is of special importance to the people of the emirate and residents of the eastern coast, as the train takes 105 minutes to cover the distance between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, while its maximum speed is 200 kilometers per hour, and it accommodates up to 400 passengers per trip, with expectations that the total number of passengers will reach about 10 million passengers annually when the network is fully operational.

Etihad Train offers two travel classes, “Comfort Class” and “Premium Class,” with benefits that include reserved seats, free Wi-Fi, device charging ports, luggage spaces, and multiple ticket options to suit different traveler needs, in addition to facilities that take into account the needs of people of determination.

This ambitious national project confirms the ability of the UAE to transform its visions into tangible achievements that serve society, consolidate the comprehensive development process, open new future horizons for sustainable transportation, and enhance economic and tourism development in various regions of the country.

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