UAE Residents Embrace Etihad Rail Expansion as Mild Earthquake Hits Khor Fakkan
As the UAE continues to develop its national infrastructure with the expansion of the Etihad Rail project, residents in towns like Sakamkam, Al Sila, and Ruwais express growing excitement over the long-term benefits the railway will bring. Meanwhile, a mild tremor was recorded on Tuesday evening in Khor Fakkan, reminding residents of the region's seismic activity.
Railway to Boost Connectivity and Tourism
The Etihad Rail network, which will stretch from Fujairah Port to Ghuweifat in western Abu Dhabi, is being welcomed by residents as a transformative step towards nationwide connectivity. Reem Al Yammahi, a student from Fujairah living in Sakamkam, described the railway as a major convenience.
“The train runs right behind my house. It will save me so much time when visiting Abu Dhabi,” she said. “I’ll finally be able to read, study, or relax during that two-hour journey instead of driving.”
Beyond personal convenience, Al Yammahi sees larger benefits. “The railway will definitely boost the economy and tourism. It’s also environmentally friendly, which is great. It’ll connect people across the Emirates more closely,” she added.
Noura Almansoori, a resident of Al Sila near the Saudi border, echoed similar sentiments. “Our town often feels disconnected from the rest of the UAE. The railway will make people more aware of our region’s beauty and serenity,” she said.
With a population of just over 10,500, Al Sila is expected to benefit from increased accessibility and tourism. “I imagine it becoming livelier. Young people might want to visit more often. And it will help locals access other cities more easily,” Almansoori added.
The Etihad Rail project is part of the UAE Railway Programme, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 70–80% while supporting economic and social integration.
Khor Fakkan Records Mild Earthquake
In a separate development, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reported a mild earthquake of magnitude 2.0 in Khor Fakkan at 8:35 PM on Tuesday.
The quake occurred at a depth of 5 kilometers and was felt slightly by residents in the surrounding area. The NCM confirmed that the tremor had no impact on infrastructure or daily life.
While the UAE is not typically known for major seismic activity, minor tremors such as this are occasionally detected in coastal or mountainous regions.
The NCM shared an image of the epicenter, reassuring the public that monitoring systems remain vigilant and that safety is a top priority.
A Nation on the Move
From seismic shifts to railways, the UAE continues to navigate both natural and manmade changes. As Etihad Rail weaves its way across the nation, residents are looking forward to a future of enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and a shared sense of unity.
