Etihad Rail has officially opened its Dubai passenger station ahead of the September 30, 2026 launch of services connecting Dubai with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelled from Abu Dhabi to Dubai aboard the national railway before the station’s inauguration on September 28. The Dubai station also has a direct pedestrian connection to Dubai Metro, giving passengers an integrated public transport option.
- Location: Al Yalayis, Dubai, near Jumeirah Golf Estates
- Organisation: Etihad Rail
- Passenger services: Start September 30, 2026
- Comfort Class: From AED39
- Premium Class: From AED109
- Metro connection: Direct pedestrian bridge to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station
- Who benefits: Dubai residents, commuters, tourists and business travellers
- What’s next: More UAE passenger stations will open through March 2027
Etihad Rail’s Dubai Station is now open, with passenger services starting on September 30, 2026. The Al Yalayis station will connect Dubai with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, with Comfort Class fares starting at AED39 and Premium Class fares from AED 109. The station was inaugurated on September 28 in the presence of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who travelled from Abu Dhabi to Dubai by train. Etihad Rail has also connected the station to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station through a dedicated pedestrian bridge, adding a direct link to Dubai’s public transport network.
When will Etihad Rail passenger services start from Dubai?
Etihad Rail passenger services from Dubai will begin on September 30, 2026, according to Etihad Rail and the Dubai Media Office.
The launch brings Dubai into the next phase of the UAE’s national passenger railway network. The service will connect Dubai with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, giving passengers another option for travelling between the emirates.
Tickets can be purchased through the Etihad Rail website and mobile app, as well as ticket vending machines at stations.
The announced starting fares are:
- Comfort Class: From AED39
- Premium Class: From AED109
Fares depend on the route and journey selected, so AED39 should be treated as the starting Comfort Class fare rather than a fixed price for every trip.
Where is Etihad Rail’s Dubai Station?
Etihad Rail’s Dubai passenger station is located in Al Yalayis, in the Jumeirah Golf Estates area.
The station has been designed with connections to Dubai’s existing transport system. A dedicated pedestrian bridge links the Etihad Rail station with Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, allowing passengers to transfer between the national railway and Dubai Metro.
This connection is particularly relevant for people who do not want to drive to their final destination after arriving in Dubai.
The Roads and Transport Authority has also supported integration between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s public transport network through the nol system.
How can passengers travel from Etihad Rail to Dubai Metro?
Passengers can connect from Etihad Rail to Dubai Metro using the pedestrian bridge linking the two stations.
According to the Dubai Media Office, integration with Dubai’s nol system also allows passengers to combine Etihad Rail journeys with local public transport using a single QR code.
The integrated journey can cover:
- Etihad Rail
- Dubai Metro
- Dubai Tram
- Dubai buses
The RTA has also promoted an option for passengers booking Etihad Rail journeys to add a Dubai Metro nol One Day Pass, helping travellers continue their journey around Dubai after reaching the rail station.
This means passengers arriving from Abu Dhabi or Fujairah can connect with Dubai’s wider public transport network rather than arranging a separate road transfer.
What happened at the Etihad Rail Dubai Station inauguration?
The Dubai station was inaugurated on September 28, 2026, in the presence of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Before the ceremony, Sheikh Mohamed travelled aboard Etihad Rail from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. During the journey, he reviewed the railway’s operations and passenger services and met Emirati professionals working on the project.
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, inaugurated the station in the President’s presence.
During the station tour, Sheikh Hamdan reviewed facilities and systems covering passenger arrival, ticketing and boarding.
The inauguration marked the next stage of the UAE’s national passenger rail rollout.
What is the Etihad Rail passenger network?
Etihad Rail is rolling out passenger services across the UAE in phases.
The first passenger services began on June 30, 2026, connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. Dubai and Al Dhaid are scheduled to join the network on September 30.
The current expansion schedule announced by Etihad Rail includes:
| Date | Planned passenger network expansion |
|---|---|
| June 30, 2026 | Abu Dhabi–Fujairah services began |
| September 30, 2026 | Dubai and Al Dhaid |
| November 30, 2026 | Liwa and Zayed City |
| December 30, 2026 | Remaining Al Dhafra stations |
| March 30, 2027 | Sharjah Station |
Etihad Rail previously reported that more than 70,000 passenger tickets had been sold by August 3, showing early demand for the national rail service. The company said passengers included families, commuters, school groups, leisure travellers and tourists.
What facilities are available on Etihad Rail passenger trains?
Etihad Rail says its passenger trains provide facilities designed for both everyday travel and longer journeys between emirates.
Passengers can expect:
- Guaranteed seating
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Charging ports at every seat
- Dedicated luggage space
- Premium Class services and facilities
Passenger services are operated by Etihad Rail Mobility, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and transport operator Keolis.
Why It Matters
The Dubai station gives residents another way to travel between the UAE’s major cities without relying entirely on private vehicles.
For commuters, the Dubai Metro connection is one of the most practical features because passengers can continue their journey into Dubai after arriving at Al Yalayis.
The service also adds another option for tourists travelling between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. As more stations open, the national railway will connect additional communities and destinations across the UAE.
For businesses, the expanding passenger network can make inter-emirate travel easier for employees, visitors and customers moving between major commercial centres.
FAQs
How much is an Etihad Rail ticket from Dubai?
Etihad Rail’s announced starting fare for Comfort Class is AED39, while Premium Class starts at AED109. Actual fares vary depending on the journey.
When does Etihad Rail start operating from Dubai?
Passenger services from Dubai begin on September 30, 2026, connecting Dubai with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
Where is the Etihad Rail Dubai Station?
The Dubai station is in Al Yalayis near Jumeirah Golf Estates. It is connected to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station by a dedicated pedestrian bridge.
Can I take the Dubai Metro after travelling on Etihad Rail?
Yes. The Dubai station has a pedestrian connection to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station. Etihad Rail and Dubai’s nol system also support integrated journeys covering the train, Metro, Tram and buses.
Which UAE cities will Etihad Rail connect next?
Etihad Rail’s announced rollout includes Liwa and Zayed City in November 2026, remaining Al Dhafra stations in December 2026 and Sharjah Station in March 2027.
The opening of Etihad Rail’s Dubai Station brings the national passenger railway into another major phase, with services from Dubai beginning September 30. With fares starting at AED 39 and a direct connection to Dubai Metro, the Al Yalayis station gives residents, commuters and visitors a new way to travel between Dubai and other parts of the UAE.
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.
