Years of training, discipline, and a strong commitment to safety prepared him to help shape the future of rail transport in the UAE.
When passengers board an Etihad Rail train, they see a smooth, comfortable journey. What they rarely see are the years of preparation, technical training, and unwavering focus on safety that make every trip possible.
For Ibrahim Al Hammadi, one of Etihad Rail’s first Emirati train captains, reaching the driver’s cabin was the result of years of study, practical experience, and continuous learning. His journey mirrors the growth of the UAE’s railway network itself, from freight operations to a modern passenger service connecting communities across the country.
Choosing an Uncharted Career
Al Hammadi’s railway career began immediately after high school when he enrolled at the Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute (ADVETI), joining the UAE’s first railway diploma programme developed in partnership with Etihad Rail.
The three-year programme combined two years of classroom learning with a full year of hands-on operational training.
When he graduated in 2020 as part of the programme’s first cohort, he made a decision that set him apart.
“I was the only person in my class who chose the train captain pathway,” Al Hammadi said.
That choice marked the beginning of a competitive journey that would eventually make him one of the country’s first Emirati passenger train captains.
Building Experience on Freight Trains
Before carrying passengers, Al Hammadi spent years operating freight trains transporting granulated sulphur from the Shah and Habshan gas fields to Ruwais.
The trains were among the largest operating in the UAE, stretching more than a kilometre in length with up to 110 wagons.
Every journey began with detailed safety inspections, including brake testing, fuel checks, and operational procedures before departure.
“That grounding in freight, where safety and precision are everything, is what prepared me to take responsibility for passengers,” he said.
The experience gave him the discipline, judgement, and operational awareness required to manage one of the country’s most advanced transport systems.
Continuous Training for Passenger Services
Qualifying as a passenger train captain required far more than completing a diploma.
After graduation, Al Hammadi completed an extensive multi-stage qualification programme covering railway operating systems, advanced driving technologies, emergency procedures, and supervised field training on live rail networks.
“It was a competitive process at every stage,” he explained.
Among the technologies he mastered was the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, an advanced in-cab signalling system that continuously monitors train movements and enhances operational safety across the passenger network.
Even after qualifying, training remains an ongoing part of the role as systems and operating standards continue to evolve.
Witnessing the UAE’s Railway Transformation
One of Al Hammadi’s proudest moments came when he first took control of Etihad Rail’s new passenger fleet.
“The most memorable moment was the first time I took control of the new passenger fleet,” he recalled.
“That was a defining milestone, seeing everything come together and knowing you’re at the forefront of a new chapter in rail.”
For him, the achievement represented more than personal success. It reflected the transformation of the railway itself.
“Growing with the company as the network itself has grown, from a single freight line to a national passenger railway, has been the privilege of my career.”
A Journey He Will Never Forget
Among the many journeys he has completed, one stands above the rest.
Al Hammadi had the honour of driving the train carrying His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“It was a proud and unforgettable experience, not only as a train captain but also as an Emirati representing my country during such a significant moment for the UAE’s transport sector,” he said.
The experience reinforced the responsibility carried by every train captain and the teamwork required behind every successful journey.
Helping Shape the Future of Transport
As Etihad Rail prepares to welcome passengers onto its expanding network, Al Hammadi sees every journey as an opportunity to improve everyday life across the UAE.
“Seeing passenger services in operation and knowing people are travelling more easily and comfortably across the UAE is incredibly rewarding,” he said.
“Every journey is an opportunity to make a tangible difference to people’s daily lives.”
His message to future passengers reflects the purpose behind the railway’s development.
“This railway was built for you. Every aspect of the journey has been designed with safety, comfort and reliability in mind. We are proud to serve our community and look forward to welcoming everyone on board.”
More Than a Career
For most passengers, a train journey lasts only a few hours. For Ibrahim Al Hammadi, every departure represents years of dedication, technical expertise, and continuous learning.
His journey from a student in the UAE’s first railway diploma programme to one of Etihad Rail’s first Emirati train captains reflects the country’s broader ambition to build world-class transport infrastructure while developing local talent to lead it for generations to come.
Source: Gulf News
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Ibrahim Al Hammadi
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