Etihad Rail Names First Emirati Train Captains as Passenger Service Nears Launch
Dubai 15-02-2026:The United Arab Emirates is marking a new chapter in its transport history as Etihad Rail Appoints First Emirati Train Captains: A Milestone in UAE Transport by naming its first national train captains for the soon-to-start passenger rail service. This announcement represents a major step forward for the country’s rail network and a source of pride for UAE nationals who have trained and prepared for this landmark role.
A Historic Achievement for National Talent
Etihad Rail has appointed Ibrahim Al Hammadi and Sarah Al Mazrouei as the first Emirati train captains for its upcoming passenger services. Their selection highlights the UAE’s focus on empowering local professionals and investing in national talent to lead strategic infrastructure projects. Both captains completed a comprehensive and rigorous training programme that included classroom learning, hands-on field experience, and advanced instruction in rail operating systems, safety procedures, and modern driving technologies.
This milestone isn’t just about leadership in rail operations — it also reflects the success of broader national strategies aimed at increasing Emirati participation in technical and engineering fields across the transport sector.
Training and Preparation for Passenger Operations
The journey to becoming train captains was demanding. Al Hammadi and Al Mazrouei underwent multiple stages of qualification designed to meet high international standards. Their training ensured they are fully prepared to operate passenger trains when services begin later this year. Both previously worked with Etihad Rail’s freight operations, gaining valuable experience that helped prepare them for their new roles.
Pride and Passion Behind the Controls
Ibrahim Al Hammadi, the first Emirati train captain, said he feels honoured to be part of such an important national project. He spoke about his excitement at the thought of people across the UAE using a modern rail service in their daily lives. He shared that offering safe, comfortable, and reliable travel for passengers gives him immense pride as an Emirati.
For Sarah Al Mazrouei, becoming the UAE’s first female train captain is especially meaningful. She described her role not just as a job but as a chance to contribute to the wellbeing of others by making travel easier and more enjoyable. Her achievement also serves as an inspiration for young Emirati women eyeing careers in sectors historically dominated by men.
What the Passenger Rail Service Will Bring
The national passenger rail network — the first of its kind in the UAE — will connect 11 cities and regions across the country. Modern trains capable of reaching speeds up to 200 km/h will carry around 400 passengers per service. This network is part of Etihad Rail’s ambitious plan to create an integrated national rail system, enhancing connectivity, reducing travel times, and supporting economic and social development across the Emirates.
Earlier updates also show that the first passenger routes will link major cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah, creating fast, comfortable alternatives to highway travel and reshaping daily commutes and tourism across the UAE.
A Symbol of Progress and Opportunity
The appointment of Al Hammadi and Al Mazrouei as the nation’s first passenger train captains is more than a ceremonial moment — it symbolizes the UAE’s investment in its people and its vision for a future where national talent drives major infrastructure achievements. As the rail network prepares for its official launch, this milestone highlights the growing role of Emirati professionals in shaping the country’s transport landscape and inspiring the next generation of engineers and technical specialists.