Lieutenant General praises national rail project and its timely delivery

Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and Public Security in Dubai, took a trial journey aboard the Etihad Rail passenger train, travelling from Al Qudra in Dubai to the passenger station in Al Hilal City, Fujairah.
He was accompanied by Shadi Malak, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail; Major General Ahmed Al Maqoudi, Director General of the Office of the Deputy Chairman of Police and Public Security in Dubai, along with senior officers and officials from Etihad Rail.
During the journey, Khalfan was briefed by Emirati specialists from Etihad Rail on the latest developments of the national railway project, including the first passenger routes scheduled to become operational later this year. The initial phase will connect the capital Abu Dhabi — via the Mohammed bin Zayed City station — to Dubai, with a station at Jumeirah Golf Estates, and onward to Al Hilal City in the Emirate of Fujairah, through the UAE’s national railway network.
Officials also outlined future routes that will be introduced in phases, bringing the total number of passenger stations to 11. The network is expected to strengthen connectivity between the emirates and provide safe and reliable transport for citizens, residents and tourists.
Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan praised the passenger rail project, describing it as one of the UAE’s most significant infrastructure developments. He said the project reflects the leadership’s continued support for national initiatives that contribute to the country’s economic, social and developmental growth.
He added that Etihad Rail represents a key economic artery and a vital bridge supporting the UAE’s future ambitions, forming a central pillar of the country’s vision to develop an integrated transport network that meets development needs and reinforces the UAE’s position as a regional and global logistics hub.
Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan also noted that the project embodies the spirit of the Union, supports national aspirations and contributes to sustainability goals, while enhancing connectivity among communities across the emirates.
At the conclusion of the journey, he expressed his appreciation to the teams behind the project, which is being implemented under the leadership and supervision of Sheikh Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, for its role in strengthening the UAE’s transport infrastructure.
Shadi Malak said Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan’s visit reflects strong institutional support for the national railway network and its projects, which have achieved tangible progress in line with the UAE leadership’s vision to establish an integrated and sustainable transport system that enhances social cohesion and economic integration.
The visit included an inspection tour of the Al Hilal City passenger station in Fujairah, where Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan reviewed ongoing development works. The station features a strategic location within key residential and economic areas and is designed to offer passengers a modern, comfortable travel experience.