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.

Passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport (DXB) can now check if they’re eligible to use Smart Gates before reaching passport control.

Dubai Airports has introduced the new Smart Gates Pre-Eligibility Verification service in partnership with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to make immigration faster and reduce waiting times.

How it works

Travellers can instantly verify their Smart Gate eligibility through the Pocket Flights platform or by scanning QR codes placed across airport terminals and boarding gates.

The service lets passengers know in advance whether they can use the automated passport gates, helping them avoid uncertainty at immigration.

Faster airport experience

Dubai Airports says the new feature is part of its ongoing efforts to streamline passenger journeys and improve the overall airport experience.

By allowing travellers to confirm eligibility before reaching passport control, the airport aims to speed up immigration processing and make travel through DXB more seamless for millions of passengers each year.

The UAE has doubled the early renewal period for Emirates ID cards, allowing renewals up to 12 months before expiry under a new decision by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Effective July 14, the change applies to UAE nationals for now.

Renew passport and Emirates ID together

The extended renewal window means citizens whose passport and Emirates ID expire around the same time can now renew both documents in a single transaction, reducing paperwork and saving time.

ICP said the initiative forms part of its strategy to simplify government services, improve customer experience and provide greater flexibility through digital services.

Supporting zero government bureaucracy

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, said the decision reflects the UAE’s commitment to delivering proactive government services while giving citizens more flexibility to complete transactions at a time that suits them.

He added that the initiative supports the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme by reducing procedural steps, improving service integration and using advanced digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, to streamline the customer journey.

The authority said the new policy is part of its wider effort to deliver integrated, digital-first government services while strengthening the UAE’s position as a global leader in identity and public service innovation.