Latest news with #NationalExpertsProgramme
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Etihad Rail: UAE resident among first to try passenger train; what to expect from service
Starting next year, UAE residents will be able to traverse the length and breadth of the country on the Etihad Rail. A destination marketer and member of the National Experts' Programme who recently rode the train from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah recounted the trip and shared a video of it. Experiencing the train 'firsthand was an unforgettable milestone' and a 'powerful reminder' of how far the UAE has come in building a 'sustainable, interconnected future', said Sarah Luqman. Sarah was part of a group that travelled from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah to attend the 5th module of the National Experts Programme (NEP). The programme is a launchpad for UAE-based specialists to play a role in the transformation of future-growth sectors and is currently in its fourth cohort. It has been confirmed that the passenger train, once opened to the public, will take 57 minutes to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Going from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will take around 100 minutes, while travelling from Abu Dhabi To Ruwais will take around 70 minutes. In comments to her video that went viral, Sarah said: "The experience was nothing short of exceptional: seamless comfort, world-class service, and breathtaking views through the heart of the UAE. It was a powerful reminder of how far our nation has come in building a sustainable, interconnected future." Last week, during a meeting between Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and a delegation from Etihad Rail, it was revealed that the Etihad Rail is set to launch its passenger train service in 2026. Speed screen, comfortable seats A video posted by Sarah gives a better glimpse into what a trip on the train looks like. Light grey comfortable seats are arranged in clusters of four, presumably in the economy compartment, with a table in between. There are luggage racks running above the seats to keep bags on it. An earlier video posted by a content creator had revealed that approximately 400 people will fit into one passenger train — which will have business and economy class compartments. A screen inside the train displays the route of the journey and indicates where the train is. It also shows the exact speed of the train at any given point and has information about the time and outside temperature. Some of the snippets show a part of the train with the Adnoc Oasis branding on top of it. It is not immediately clear whether the trains will have the convenience store serving their signature food and drinks. In January last year, Sultan Al Jaber and ADNOC's leadership team had made the first Etihad Rail passenger journey from Abu Dhabi city to Al Dhannah. There, Sultan reviewed the progress of several key ADNOC projects. Take a look at a video of Sarah's trip on the train: Scenery Giving travellers a glimpse of the beauty of the country including the desert landscape and lush greenery, according to Sarah, the journey provides 'seamless comfort, world-class service, and breathtaking views through the heart of the UAE". Earlier, engineer Kholoud Al Mazrouei had said that the biggest highlight of the train journey would be its scenery. 'You can see different views and landscapes such as the Almaha forests and the natural beauty of Fujairah. You can also see several landmarks in the UAE that you would not be able to if you are travelling by car.' Last month, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in collaboration with Etihad Rail opened a three-lane flyover to improve traffic flow on Al Yalayis Street to ensure the smooth movement of trains by 'completely separating the movement of trains from vehicles".
Hi Dubai
19-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Etihad Rail to Cut Travel Time Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to 25 Minutes by 2026
The UAE's long-awaited Etihad Rail passenger service is set to launch in 2026, promising to redefine domestic travel with dramatically reduced journey times, modern amenities, and scenic routes across the Emirates. Test rides are already showcasing the speed and comfort commuters can expect, with early footage revealing a 25-minute ride between Abu Dhabi and Dubai—less than a third of the usual 90-minute drive. What you can expect on board Each train will accommodate approximately 400 passengers and feature both business and economy class compartments. Inside, light grey seats are arranged in clusters of four, with a shared table and overhead luggage racks. A built-in screen displays real-time travel information, including route progress, speed, time, and outside temperature—enhancing the travel experience with both comfort and convenience. Early glimpses from recent test journeys hint at a service designed for both leisure and efficiency. Although not yet confirmed, parts of the train display Adnoc Oasis branding, sparking speculation that travellers may eventually be able to purchase food and drinks from the well-known convenience store brand while on board. A faster way to explore the UAE In a recent video, Sarah Luqman, a destination marketer and member of the National Experts Programme (NEP), shared her experience riding the train from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah. According to her, the Abu Dhabi to Dubai segment took just 25 minutes, followed by around 90 minutes from Dubai to Fujairah. The trip, she said, offered 'seamless comfort, world-class service, and breathtaking views through the heart of the UAE.' The NEP journey was part of a session held in Fujairah, and included a group of participants riding the train before its public launch. The programme is a government initiative aimed at empowering specialists to help shape key sectors of the UAE's future. Scenic views and modern infrastructure Etihad Rail's route is designed to give passengers a unique window into the UAE's natural beauty. Riders can expect views of desert landscapes, Almaha forests, and the mountains of Fujairah—scenery often missed when travelling by car. Engineer Kholoud Al Mazrouei, speaking about the project, highlighted the experience as one of the train's biggest attractions. 'You can see several landmarks in the UAE that you would not be able to if you are travelling by car,' she said. To support the rollout, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed key infrastructure works, including a three-lane flyover on Al Yalayis Street. The project ensures that the movement of trains and vehicles remains completely separated, helping to maintain smooth flow and enhance road safety. Although Etihad Rail has previously been used for select passenger trips—including a 2023 journey by Sultan Al Jaber and ADNOC leadership—the full public service is expected to roll out in 2026. The rail network will eventually link all major cities in the UAE, supporting the country's broader goals of sustainable transport, economic development, and regional connectivity. As anticipation builds, the Etihad Rail service is shaping up to be more than just a transit upgrade—it's a step forward in how residents and visitors experience the UAE. News Source: Khaleej Times
Al Etihad
01-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE's NEP experts unveil 8 solutions to national challenges at BX Conference 2025
1 May 2025 17:19 ABU DHABI (WAM)Eight experts from the UAE's National Experts Programme (NEP 4.0 Cohort) have unveiled today eight innovative behavioural policy solutions at The Behavioural Exchange (BX2025). These solutions address some of the UAE's most pressing challenges, ranging from education and healthcare to sustainability, cultural identity, and food being held for the first time in the MENA region, takes place at New York University Abu Dhabi, from 30th April to 1st May experts' solutions showcase field-tested interventions designed to address key national challenges. Each project is developed using behavioural science methodologies and piloted during the solution reflects the UAE's strategic vision for the future, with a strong emphasis on innovation and social this regard, Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, Director of the NEP, emphasised the active role of the UAE NEP experts in addressing contemporary challenges and developing effective solutions, particularly in areas of national priorities. He also highlighted the importance of leveraging behavioural science methodologies, grounded in scientific evidence and empirical studies, to shape policies tailored to various critical societal the projects, Khulood Alawadi's project focuses on empowering students by addressing the unique learning needs. Her proposal champions innovative, gender-responsive solutions that foster engagement, encouraging both academic success and active participation in civic Mohamed Al Ameri proposes behavioural interventions to reduce the incidence of rare genetic diseases through enhanced premarital screening Janahi outlines a consumer behaviour strategy to increase purchases of UAE-made goods using shelf labelling, mobile nudges, and retail loyalty incentives. Maryam Al Falasi focuses on food security, proposing a national food donation system using default prompts and behavioural incentives to reduce youth and digital engagement, Faisal Al Hawi introduces a school-and-home-based programme to reduce passive screen time among children aged 6–10. Sumaya Al Hajeri will launch a digital literacy campaign led by 'Digital Heroes,' encouraging responsible and values-driven social media use among UAE the culture and identity track, Rawdha Al Qubaisi proposes integrating certified Emirati cultural immersion into visa pathways and workplace onboarding to improve long-term expat engagement. Mohamed Alwahedi introduces a policy initiative to promote modest 'Medeem' weddings through defaults, social messaging, and community-led incentives.
