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Meet Wabel, UAE’s robo-fireman
FFBOTS, the Jebel Ali Industrial Area-based Emirati firm, has launched the first locally-made firefighting robot of its kind in the Middle East, with world-class technical specifications and operational capabilities.
Called Wabel, which means rain, the robot provides a qualitative addition to firefighting departments and their efforts to reach critical but difficult areas or when it comes to dangerous physically-demanding tasks that may compromise their safety.
The development comes less than two weeks after a Emirati fighter died in a post-fire tragic incident in Al Aweer, Dubai. Sgt Omar Khalifa Al Ketbi, 29, from Dubai Civil Defence, lost his life in the line of duty when a slab fell on him during cooling down operations after a fire broke out at the Al Kabayel Discount Centre.
In 2016, Jasim Al Beloushi died while responding to a situation at the Dubai International Airport following the emergency landing of Emirates Airline flight EK521. Al Beloushi and his colleagues saved all passengers but had to pay the ultimate sacrifice.
“Since its inception, the company has sought to locally manufacture, design and assemble robotics technologies, with a focus on attracting local and international competencies and expertise, inspired by its vision and the passion of the founding-team,” said Mohammed Islam, a robotics expert and CEO of FFBOTS.
“The start has been made from the UAE with a joint Emirati-Saudi investment. We intend to go global, while leveraging artificial intelligence to a maximum … this is especially the case in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, where giant projects and factories, free zones, warehouses, tall residential towers and other sensitive areas are spread,” he added.
Mohammed Islam indicated that the robot complements rather than annuls the role of civil defence, by providing a qualitative addition to its efforts in fighting fires and preserving lives and property, especially when fires involve high-risk situations, such as proximity to oil and gas reservoirs and highly flammable materials that cannot be approached.
Technical Specifications
- Wabel has multiple high-calibre features. Pending the arrival of civil defence personnel, it helps controllers, especially in critical places, to immediately use it remotely and start firefighting operations, benefitting from a powerful flow rate of 8,000 LPM, a range of 100 meters, and a height of 50 meters.
- The robot is controlled wirelessly by a control station with a response range of up to 1,000 meters.
- It is equipped with 4-hose-inlets and a GPS build routing and maps for robot location and facilitations of navigation.
- The robot uses foam and water with a flow rate of 8,000 LPM. It is equipped with six smart cameras covering four directions, making it the firefighter’s eye from the heart of the event.
- The robot is also equipped with front-end water sprinklers to cool the surface in front of the robot and vertical water sprinklers to create a water umbrella to cool the robot from above.
- Wabel can climb stairs up to 30 degrees, and weights about a ton. It is provided with strong front bumpers.
- The robot is also equipped with a dedicated camera for extinguisher target direction and a back camera to facilitate movement, in addition to an inbound audio channel to enable the controller to hear sounds around the robot;
- It has 15 temperature-sensing points. The robot’s powerful headlights enable control officers to see clearly during heavy smoke. An audible siren helps locate the robot, while also alerting others in smoky or low-visibility areas and warning residents of a fire.
Planning to travel on Etihad Rail’s Abu Dhabi–Fujairah passenger service? The ticket you choose could make a big difference if your plans change.
Etihad Rail offers three fare categories, Saver, Value and Flexible, across both Comfort and Premium classes. Each comes with its own rules covering ticket changes, cancellations, refunds, transfers and seat selection.
With bookings now exceeding 70,000, here’s what passengers need to know before choosing their fare.
Saver ticket: Cheapest, but least flexible
The Saver fare is aimed at passengers who are confident about their travel plans.
Once booked, the ticket cannot be changed, refunded or transferred to another passenger.
Seat selection is available, but passengers will need to pay an additional fee if they want to choose a specific seat.
Otherwise, the system will automatically allocate a seat 24 hours before departure.
In short, Saver may suit passengers who want the lower fare and don’t expect their plans to change.
Value ticket: More flexibility before departure
The Value fare offers a middle ground for passengers who want some flexibility without paying for the most flexible option.
Passengers can make unlimited changes free of charge up to 72 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If a change is made within 72 hours of departure, a Dh20 change fee applies, along with any difference between the original and new fares.
Seat selection is included at no extra cost.
However, Value tickets cannot be refunded or transferred to another passenger.
Flexible ticket: Maximum flexibility
As its name suggests, the Flexible fare gives passengers the greatest freedom to adjust their plans.
Changes can be made without a change fee before departure, and passengers can also make changes for up to 30 minutes after the scheduled departure time.
The ticket can be transferred to another passenger before boarding, providing an additional option for travellers whose plans change.
Cancellation rules are also more generous.
Passengers who cancel at least 24 hours before departure can receive a full refund. If the ticket is cancelled on the day of travel, a 30% cancellation fee applies.
All changes remain subject to availability and the conditions attached to the relevant fare.
How can you change an Etihad Rail ticket?
Passengers have several ways to modify their bookings.
Tickets can be changed through:
- The Etihad Rail mobile app
- The Etihad Rail website
- Ticket vending machines at stations
- The call centre
However, passengers cannot change their itinerary itself. This means the departure or arrival station cannot be changed, regardless of the ticket category.
Any requested change must also comply with the applicable fare rules and deadlines.
If the new ticket costs more than the original, the passenger must pay the difference in fare, along with any applicable change fee.
If the new fare is cheaper, Etihad Rail says the difference will not be refunded.
Once the new ticket has been issued, the original ticket becomes invalid.
How do Etihad Rail refunds work?
Passengers who can no longer travel can request a cancellation through the My Bookings section of the Etihad Rail website or app.
Cancellations are also possible through station ticket vending machines or the call centre.
The call centre operates daily from 5am to 11pm.
It’s important to cancel before departure if you are not going to travel.
Passengers who simply fail to show up without cancelling their booking are classified as no-shows. Their tickets become invalid, and no refund is provided.
Saver and Value tickets are non-refundable, while Flexible tickets qualify for refunds according to the applicable cancellation rules.
How much do Etihad Rail tickets cost?
Introductory fares on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route start from:
- Dh55 in Comfort Class
- Dh120 in Premium Class
The final fare depends on the selected ticket category and class.
Comfort vs Premium: What’s included?
Etihad Rail currently offers two passenger classes: Comfort and Premium.
Premium Class
Premium passengers receive around 39–40 inches of legroom, along with seats featuring extra legroom and reclining backrests with padded headrests.
Other features include:
- USB charging ports
- Free Wi-Fi
- Complimentary light refreshments and beverages
- Additional food and drink available for purchase
Comfort Class
Comfort Class provides around 37–38 inches of legroom and comfortable seating.
Passengers also receive:
- Free Wi-Fi
- A power outlet and USB charging point at every seat
- Hospitality trolley service available for purchase
Which Etihad Rail ticket should you choose?
The best fare depends largely on how certain you are about your travel plans.
Saver makes the most sense if your schedule is fixed and you want to prioritise the fare price.
Value is a better option if you want the ability to change your journey without paying a fee, provided you make those changes more than 72 hours before departure.
Flexible is the strongest choice if your plans could change at short notice, particularly if you want the option of transferring the ticket or receiving a refund.
Before booking, it’s worth comparing the fare conditions rather than looking only at the headline ticket price. A slightly more expensive ticket could prove better value if there’s a chance you’ll need to change your plans.
A journey on Etihad Rail’s Abu Dhabi–Fujairah passenger service is getting a distinctly Emirati flavour.
Passengers travelling between the two emirates can now enjoy an onboard menu inspired by the UAE’s culinary traditions, with dishes and drinks designed to bring local flavours into the modern rail experience.
The menu, created by Capital Catering, the food and beverage arm of ADNEC Group, was developed around the concept A Journey Through the Emirates.
The idea is simple: as passengers travel through the UAE, they can experience some of the country’s flavours and hospitality along the way.
What’s on the Etihad Rail menu?
The menu uses ingredients closely associated with Emirati cuisine and hospitality, including dates, saffron, cardamom, local honey and Arabic coffee.One of the standout dishes is a contemporary interpretation of machboos, a traditional rice dish.
The Etihad Rail version features slow-braised short rib served with fragrant Emirati-spiced rice, combining familiar flavours with a more modern presentation.
The menu has been designed to cater to different journey times, with options available for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
Passengers travelling in both Comfort and Premium classes have access to specially curated selections.
There’s a menu for younger passengers too
Families travelling by rail haven’t been overlooked.
Etihad Rail has introduced a dedicated children’s menu, designed to make the onboard dining experience more accessible for younger passengers.
The offering forms part of the railway’s wider effort to create a comfortable and welcoming experience for families and travellers of different ages.
Passengers get a taste of Emirati hospitality
For a limited period marking the launch of passenger services, travellers are also being welcomed with a complimentary Ghaf Juice Shot.
The drink takes its inspiration from the UAE’s national tree, the Ghaf.
Passengers can also enjoy locally inspired chocolates in flavours including:
- Seven spices
- Date and caramel
- Gahwa and cardamom
Traditional Arabic coffee is also available onboard, alongside fresh juices, specialty coffees and premium teas.
Together, the selection gives passengers more than a conventional train meal — it introduces elements of Emirati hospitality during the journey itself.
Who created the Etihad Rail menu?
The menu was developed by award-winning chef Maitha Warshaw, a UAE culinary talent known for presenting Emirati flavours through contemporary techniques.
Warshaw has represented the UAE internationally, including serving as Executive Chef of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
Her approach focuses on taking familiar elements of Emirati cuisine and presenting them in ways that appeal to modern diners while retaining their cultural identity.
More than just a train journey
For Etihad Rail, the food offering is intended to become part of the overall passenger experience rather than simply an onboard service.
The railway says the journey is an opportunity for passengers to experience different aspects of the UAE, from the landscapes outside their windows to the country’s food, traditions and hospitality.
That means travellers on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route can experience a modern form of transport while also getting a culinary introduction to the country.
For passengers, the new menu adds another layer to the Etihad Rail experience, offering a taste of Emirati culture while the train carries them across the UAE.
Etihad Rail tickets from Dh55: Which fare gives you most flexibility?
From Machboos to Gahwa: Etihad Rail serves up a taste of traditional Emirati cuisine
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