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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on January 10, 2026
The United Arab Emirates is on the cusp of a major transport transformation with Etihad Rail confirming the launch of its national passenger train service in 2026. The long-anticipated network will connect cities from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah on the east coast, significantly enhancing inter-emirate connectivity and redefining how residents travel across the country.
Etihad Rail has officially confirmed four key passenger stations: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, which will form the backbone of the initial rollout. In total, the network will feature 11 strategically located passenger stations, serving urban centres, coastal towns, desert communities, and educational hubs across the UAE.
Designed as a high-speed, congestion-free alternative to road travel, the passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h. Travel times are expected to reduce dramatically, with journeys such as Abu Dhabi to Dubai taking just 57 minutes, and potentially as little as 30 minutes on high-speed services. Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will take approximately 105 minutes, offering a seamless east–west connection for the first time.
Beyond speed, Etihad Rail’s passenger service places strong emphasis on comfort and experience. The trains, manufactured by Spain’s CAF, can accommodate up to 400 passengers per journey and feature a cabin environment inspired by airline travel. Guests will be able to choose from First Class, Business Class, and spacious Economy seating, all equipped with charging ports, high-speed Wi-Fi, and advanced climate-control systems designed for the region’s extreme temperatures. Onboard food and beverage services will further enhance the travel experience.
Seamless first- and last-mile connectivity is a core pillar of the project. Major stations such as Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai will connect directly to the Dubai Metro, while other stations will integrate bus terminals, taxi zones, and digital ticketing systems. A fully digital-first approach will allow passengers to plan, book, and access their journeys via a mobile app, ensuring smooth and efficient travel from door to door.
The project is a key component of the UAE’s “Projects of the 50” initiative and is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, with rail transport projected to cut emissions by 70–80 per cent compared to road travel. In addition to easing congestion on major highways such as the E11 and E311, the network is expected to boost economic integration, workforce mobility, and overall quality of life.
Commenting on the launch, Shadi Malak, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail, said the project goes beyond transportation. “Our goal is to create a network that is safe, efficient, and sustainable. This is not just about moving people, it’s about enhancing the quality of life for every citizen and resident in the UAE.”
As of early 2026, 10 of the 13 planned passenger trains have already arrived in the UAE and are undergoing final safety certification. With infrastructure in place and testing underway, Etihad Rail’s passenger service marks the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s transport journey, one that promises faster, greener, and more connected travel across the Emirates.
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Published on April 7, 2026
City of Dreams Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, and Walkers Tours have joined hands with FitsAir to introduce direct passenger flights between Ahmedabad and Colombo. This move is set to make international travel easier for travellers from Gujarat while opening up better access to Sri Lanka’s popular leisure destinations.
Operated by FitsAir, Sri Lanka’s first private international airline, the new route will run three times a week. The service is aimed at meeting the growing demand for overseas holidays from Gujarat, offering a smooth and direct travel option to Colombo.
With this improved connectivity, travellers can explore a range of premium stays under Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, including Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, and Cinnamon Red Colombo.
Gujarat is steadily growing as an important source market for Sri Lanka, supported by strong cultural connections and increasing interest in international travel. The launch of these direct flights is expected to strengthen tourism between Ahmedabad and Colombo, positioning Sri Lanka as a preferred short-haul destination.
Located in the heart of Colombo, City of Dreams Sri Lanka brings together entertainment, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences. Travellers can also opt for curated holiday packages that include stays at Cinnamon properties along with multi-destination itineraries across Sri Lanka, such as cultural trips to Kandy and beach getaways.
Nayana Mawilmada, President – Leisure & Property, John Keells Holdings, said, “We are delighted to strengthen our presence in the Indian market, particularly in Gujarat, which continues to show strong potential for outbound travel. This strategic partnership and the introduction of direct connectivity from Ahmedabad make it significantly easier for travellers to experience the unique blend of luxury, entertainment, and cultural richness that City of Dreams Sri Lanka and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts have to offer.”
Kamal Munasinghe, Senior Vice President – Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, added, “Ahmedabad is an important and fast-growing market for us. With the launch of these direct flights, we are excited to welcome more travellers from Gujarat to Colombo. From the immersive experiences at City of Dreams Sri Lanka to the diverse hospitality offerings across Cinnamon properties, we look forward to delivering memorable stays tailored to Indian guests.”
Nalaka Amaratunga - Chief Executive Officer, Destination Management Sector, Walkers Tours commented, “This partnership marks an important milestone in enhancing connectivity between Ahmedabad and Colombo. By combining direct flights with thoughtfully curated travel packages, we aim to offer a seamless and enriching Sri Lankan holiday experience for travellers from Gujarat.”
Starting from 15 May, 2026, flights will operate three times a week between Ahmedabad and Colombo. Specially curated travel packages by Cinnamon, which include return airfare, a two-night stay with breakfast at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, and private airport transfers, offering a convenient and value-driven travel option.
Travel Schedule – Effective from 15th May
Ahmedabad → Colombo: 03:40 – 06:50
Ahmedabad → Colombo: 10:45 – 13:55
Colombo → Ahmedabad: 23:25 – 02:35
Colombo → Ahmedabad: 06:30 – 09:40.
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has introduced Google’s Find Hub share item location feature to make baggage recovery smoother and more efficient. The move adds an optional layer of support for guests dealing with delayed or missing baggage.
With this feature, guests using a compatible tracker tag or Bluetooth device can create a secure and temporary link that shares the location of their baggage. This link can be attached while reporting a lost or delayed bag, allowing Saudia’s ground teams to access real-time location details and speed up the recovery process.
The shared access is time-bound and automatically expires after seven days. Guests can also stop sharing the location at any point, ensuring they stay in complete control of their information throughout the process.
This update works alongside Saudia’s existing baggage handling systems, giving travellers better visibility and added reassurance during their journey. It is designed to make the experience more transparent while keeping things simple and user-friendly.
Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, said: “Our focus is on giving guests confidence and reassurance throughout their journey. Initiatives like this reflect our broader commitment to clarity, transparency, and ensuring guests feel informed and in control at every stage of the experience. It is about strengthening trust and providing peace of mind through thoughtful, guest-centered decisions.”
By rolling out this feature, Saudia becomes one of the first airlines globally to adopt such technology, highlighting its focus on digital innovation and improved guest experiences.
The feature has been built with privacy in mind. Location details are shared only for baggage recovery purposes and remain accessible to the airline for a limited time. Once the process is completed or the guest decides to stop sharing, access is automatically removed.
Guests can use this feature by ensuring their device and tracker accessory are compatible and updated to the latest supported software versions.
By Author
Published on April 6, 2026
InterGlobe Enterprises’ lifestyle hospitality brand Miiro has strengthened its European presence with the opening of Miiro Spittelberg, marking its second property in Vienna.
Located in the historic Spittelberg District, just behind the MuseumsQuartier, the hotel is set within one of the city’s most culturally vibrant neighbourhoods. Known for its cobbled streets, artisan heritage, independent galleries, and lively café culture, the area offers an authentic window into Vienna’s contemporary creative scene.
Miiro Spittelberg features 132 guestrooms and suites, designed with a blend of warm neutrals, bold accents, natural textures, and soft lighting. Staying true to Miiro’s ‘Brilliantly Considered’ design philosophy, the rooms are crafted to provide a calming yet refined atmosphere, complete with plush beds, rainfall showers, cosy reading nooks, and premium toiletries.
The hotel’s design combines sleek modern lines with creative details, offering guests a space that feels both stylish and comfortable. Whether exploring Vienna’s iconic landmarks or unwinding within the property, the experience is designed to feel immersive and connected to its surroundings.
Dining at the hotel reflects a seamless all-day concept inspired by European café culture with an Italian twist. The experience is anchored by Poco, an Italian-inspired urban pizzeria and bar, adding a vibrant social element to the property.
Art plays a central role in the hotel’s identity, highlighted by an immersive ceiling mural that encourages personal reflection. This is complemented by a curated collection of works by Austrian and international artists displayed throughout the space. Additional amenities include a library, a 24-hour gym, and Miiro’s signature Refresh Room.
Commenting on the opening, Neena Gupta said, “The opening of Miiro Spittelberg marks an exciting milestone as we continue to grow Miiro in culturally rich European cities. Vienna’s artistic spirit and deep-rooted heritage make it a natural home for not just one but two of our properties, and the neighbourhood of Spittelberg reflects the lively, local energy we seek to celebrate.”
With this launch, Miiro continues to expand its footprint across Europe, with a growing portfolio spanning cities such as Paris, Barcelona, London, Gstaad, and Vienna, while InterGlobe’s broader international presence extends to destinations including Amsterdam, Munich, Prague, Budapest, Hamburg, and Melbourne.
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