Ibrahim Al Hammadi and Sarah Al Mazrouei take the helm of the UAE’s first passenger rail service.
Etihad Rail has announced the appointment of Ibrahim Al Hammadi and Sarah Al Mazrouei as the first Emirati captains for its highly anticipated passenger rail service, set to launch later this year.
The company confirmed that both captains are fully trained and ready to oversee train operations, helping deliver a modern and comfortable travel experience for passengers across the United Arab Emirates.
In a statement, Etihad Rail said the two Emirati pioneers expressed pride in the continued support of the UAE leadership and the trust placed in national talent, highlighting the importance of empowering citizens to contribute to key strategic projects across the country.
Milestone in the UAE’s transport development journey
Qualifying the first Emirati train captains marks a major milestone in the UAE’s transport and infrastructure sector. The achievement underscores the success of national strategies focused on empowering Emirati professionals in advanced technical and engineering fields, while enhancing local participation in large-scale infrastructure projects.
Intensive training ensures operational excellence
The selection of Al Hammadi and Al Mazrouei followed a comprehensive training programme comprising multiple stages of theoretical and practical instruction. The curriculum covered railway operating systems, safety protocols, advanced driving technologies, and hands-on training across active rail networks. The programme was developed in line with the highest international standards to ensure full operational readiness and efficiency.
Both captains previously played key roles in freight rail operations, gaining valuable field experience that supported their transition to passenger services.
National passenger network to connect 11 cities
The UAE’s national passenger rail network will link 11 cities and regions across the country, operated by a fleet of 13 trains capable of speeds up to 200 km/h and carrying around 400 passengers per train. The network is part of the wider Etihad Rail project to build an integrated national railway system that enhances economic and social connectivity.
Etihad Rail described Al Mazrouei and Al Hammadi as representatives of a new generation shaping the future of rail transport in the UAE — transitioning from freight operations to welcoming passenger services this year, and playing a direct role in launching the country’s first national passenger railway network.
Ibrahim Al Hammadi: Pride in leading a national project
Ibrahim Al Hammadi, the first Emirati train captain, said he is proud to be part of a project of Etihad Rail’s scale, calling it a meaningful opportunity to contribute to a national success story and further strengthen the UAE’s transport infrastructure.
His interest in the sector began with freight train operations, and he shared his excitement about eventually leading passenger services once they commence.
“I look forward to the day passenger trains begin operating and I can see people relying on them in their daily lives, travelling smoothly and comfortably between cities across the UAE. Every journey is a chance to make life easier for passengers and enhance their travel experience — something that fills me with pride as an Emirati,” he said.
Al Hammadi launched his career after enrolling at the Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute, where he developed the engineering foundations and technical expertise required for the railway sector. He later became one of the first Emirati professionals to work in freight train operations.
Sarah Al Mazrouei: UAE’s first female train captain
Sarah Al Mazrouei, the first Emirati female train captain, described train operation as more than just a profession, calling it an opportunity to enhance people’s daily lives and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Driving a train is not just a job; it is an opportunity to make people happy and simplify their daily lives. Since childhood, I dreamed of contributing to my country’s progress. Today, as the first Emirati female captain, I look forward to operating passenger trains that become part of everyday mobility between cities across the UAE,” she said.
She added that the role fills her with immense pride, as she is contributing to the delivery of a truly national service that enhances quality of life and supports the future of sustainable transport.
Integrated national rail system strengthens connectivity
The passenger network marks the UAE’s first fully integrated national railway system for passenger transport, reinforcing connectivity between emirates while offering safe and reliable mobility for citizens, residents, and visitors. It is set to become a cornerstone of the country’s transport ecosystem, driving economic growth and strengthening social cohesion.
