Dubai, June 30 -- Over 10,000 tickets were sold on the launch of the Etihad Rail on Tuesday, June 30, marking a significant milestone in the national passenger train service of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

As part of the country's efforts to develop an integrated transport network, the rail service aims to link major population centres and economic hubs.

The rush was expected, as the network accepted its first paying passengers onboard the inaugural services scheduled from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi. Due to the overwhelming public demand, Etihad Rail operated six passenger services on its first day, with seats being occupied before the first train even left the station.

The service departed from Fujairah Station at 5:34 am, travelling ac...