Ibrahim Al Hammadi: UAE’s First Emirati Passenger Train Captain Accelerates National Rail Innovation

Ibrahim Al Hammadi has made history as the first Emirati passenger train captain in the UAE, a distinction achieved through a combination of specialized education, practical experience, and rigorous training. His journey reflects the rapid growth of the UAE’s transport sector and highlights the importance of safety and efficiency in public transportation.

Early Ambitions and Specialized Training

Al Hammadi’s commitment to the railway industry began immediately after high school. He enrolled in the UAE’s inaugural Railway Diploma programme at the Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute, a collaboration with Etihad Rail. This three-year programme included two years of academic study followed by a year of hands-on training on the rail network. Graduating in 2020 as part of the first cohort, he was the sole student in his class to pursue train-driving.

Al Hammadi emphasized the significance of his educational background, stating that it provided a solid engineering foundation essential for his career. He noted that the diploma programme was instrumental in shaping his skills and knowledge.

Operational Experience and Safety Commitment

Following his graduation, Al Hammadi gained valuable operational experience by driving heavy freight trains that transported granulated sulphur from the Shah and Habshan fields to Ruwais Port. These trains can consist of up to 110 wagons and exceed one kilometer in length, demanding a high level of concentration and discipline. His responsibilities included conducting pre-departure inspections, checking fuel levels, testing braking systems, and ensuring safe operations while adhering to strict schedules.

Al Hammadi highlighted his commitment to safety and punctuality, which he considers the cornerstones of successful passenger train operations. He aims to provide journeys that are not only safe but also comfortable for passengers.

Rigorous Training for Passenger Services

The path to becoming a passenger train captain was competitive and required extensive training. Al Hammadi completed an intensive, multi-stage training programme designed to qualify him for passenger transport services. This programme covered operating systems, safety procedures, modern driving techniques, and practical training on operational networks, all adhering to the highest international standards.

He noted that the Etihad Rail network operates using Level 2 of the European Train Control System (ETCS), one of the most advanced signaling systems globally. Mastery of this system, along with training in safety and emergency procedures, was crucial for his qualification.

Memorable Milestones in His Career

Al Hammadi described driving the new passenger train for the first time as the most memorable moment of his career. He viewed this achievement as the culmination of years of study, training, and hard work. He expressed pride in participating in a new phase for the UAE’s railway sector, contributing to a service that enhances public transportation.

One of his proudest moments occurred when he drove a train with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, on board. This experience was not only a personal milestone but also a significant representation of Emirati progress in the transport sector.

The Future of Rail Travel in the UAE

With the launch of passenger transport services, Al Hammadi is optimistic about the future of rail travel in the UAE. He expressed satisfaction in seeing people travel more easily and comfortably across the country. Each journey represents an opportunity to positively impact people’s daily lives, a source of pride for him as an Emirati.

Al Hammadi reassured residents that the railway network is designed with their needs in mind. He emphasized the efforts made to ensure safe and comfortable journeys, inviting the public to experience a new way of traveling across the UAE.

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Published on 2026-08-14 09:08:00 • By the Editorial Desk