Etihad Rail launches Dubai station as passenger services expand across UAE

The UAE has officially launched its national passenger rail network with the inauguration of Etihad Rail’s Dubai Station, ahead of passenger services connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah from September 30, 2026.

The station was inaugurated on September 28 in the presence of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail.

Ahead of the ceremony, Sheikh Mohamed travelled from Abu Dhabi to Dubai aboard Etihad Rail, reviewing the network’s operations, national objectives and passenger services. Upon arrival, he met Emirati professionals working on the project.

The inauguration marks a new phase in the rollout of the UAE’s passenger rail network, which began with introductory services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30. The September 30 expansion adds Dubai and Al Dhaid to the network, with further stations scheduled to open through March 2027.

Dubai Station is designed as a connection point between Etihad Rail and the emirate’s wider public transport system. It is connected to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station via a dedicated pedestrian bridge, providing a direct transfer between the national railway and the Dubai Metro.

Integration with Dubai’s Nol system also allows passengers to combine Etihad Rail and public transport journeys using a single QR code across trains, Metro, Tram and buses.

During a tour of the station, Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Theyab reviewed its facilities, operational systems and technologies supporting passengers from ticketing and boarding through to their destination. Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak also briefed them on the station’s role in connecting Dubai with the wider UAE.

Sheikh Hamdan said the station would provide a new link between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider country, while supporting the emirate’s transport infrastructure and future development.

Sheikh Theyab said the launch marked a milestone in the UAE’s Projects of the 50 and would strengthen connections between the emirates while supporting economic competitiveness and quality of life.

From September 30, Etihad Rail will operate passenger services between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah. Tickets are available through the Etihad Rail mobile application, website and station ticket vending machines, with fares starting at $10.6 for Comfort Class and $29.6 for Premium Class.

Passenger services offer guaranteed seating, Wi-Fi, charging points and luggage space, while Premium Class provides additional features.

Etihad Rail said in August that more than 70,000 tickets had been sold since the June launch, with demand coming from families, commuters, schools and leisure travellers.

The company said the strong early demand for the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah service demonstrated interest in passenger rail and would help inform the network’s expansion.

The September expansion forms part of a wider phased rollout of Etihad Rail’s passenger network. Zayed City and Liwa stations are scheduled to open on November 30, followed by the remaining Al Dhafra stations on December 30. Sharjah Station is scheduled to open on March 30, 2027.

The passenger rail project was announced as part of the UAE’s Projects of the 50 in 2021. Etihad Rail says the network is intended to connect cities, communities, economic centres and tourism destinations while providing an additional option for inter-emirate travel.

Passenger services are operated by Etihad Rail Mobility, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and international passenger transport operator Keolis.