Etihad Rail Passenger Service: Dubai Station, Routes and Latest Updates
Over the past few decades, the UAE government has delivered major infrastructure projects that support economic growth. One of the most ambitious is Etihad Rail, the national railway network linking the emirates.
Etihad Rail started with freight. Passenger services followed on 30 June 2026, and Dubai joined the passenger network on 30 September 2026, when its station at Jumeirah Golf Estates opened. Here is what is running now, which stations are still to come and what it means for Dubai.
What is Etihad Rail and Why Does it Matter?
Etihad Rail is the UAE's national railway network. It is designed to link the country's main cities and industrial hubs, improve connectivity, cut journey times and offer a lower-carbon alternative to road transport.
Key Features:
Freight Operations: Freight trains already carry goods across the UAE.
Passenger Services: Intercity passenger trains now connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, with more stations opening in phases.
Oman Link: A separate joint venture, Hafeet Rail, is building a rail link between Abu Dhabi and Sohar in Oman via Al Ain. It is not part of the current passenger timetable.
Etihad Rail Freight Service:
Freight trains play an important role in reducing road traffic and supporting the economy. They offer a reliable, efficient alternative to trucks for moving goods across the country.
Benefits:
- A single freight train can replace the load of around 300 trucks
- Shorter, more predictable transport times for goods across the UAE
- Serves industries such as oil and gas, construction, retail and manufacturing
Sustainable Transportation
Sustainability is one of Etihad Rail's core goals. Moving freight and passengers from road to rail reduces greenhouse gas emissions and road congestion, in line with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 strategy.
There are many more futuristic transportation projects coming to the UAE.
Environmental Benefits:
- Etihad Rail targets a 21% reduction in road transport carbon emissions by 2050
- Each freight train takes up to 300 trucks off UAE roads
- Rail uses less energy than equivalent road transport
Is Etihad Rail Open for Passengers?
Yes. The UAE's first national passenger rail service began on 30 June 2026. The first scheduled service left Fujairah at 5:34am and arrived at Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi at 7:19am, according to Etihad Rail.
Stations are opening in phases:
| Date | Stations |
|---|---|
| 30 June 2026 | Mohamed Bin Zayed City (Abu Dhabi) and Fujairah (service launched) |
| 30 September 2026 | Dubai (Al Yalayis Station, Jumeirah Golf Estates) and Al Dhaid (Sharjah) (opened) |
| 30 November 2026 | Madinat Zayed and Liwa (scheduled) |
| 30 December 2026 | Remaining Al Dhafra stations (scheduled) |
| 30 March 2027 | Sharjah (scheduled) |
Dates for stations that have not yet opened are the published schedule and may change. Always check Etihad Rail's official channels before you travel.
Etihad Rail in Dubai: Al Yalayis Station
Dubai's passenger station, Al Yalayis Station, is located next to Jumeirah Golf Estates. Trains run between Dubai and Mohamed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, with a journey time of roughly an hour. At launch, fares on the Dubai to Abu Dhabi route started from AED 39 in Comfort class and AED 109 in Premium class. Tickets are sold through the Etihad Rail app, the website and ticket machines at stations.
The station is linked to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Red Line by a pedestrian bridge. When the Dubai Metro Gold Line opens (scheduled for 2032), Jumeirah Golf Estates will also become an interchange with the new line.
What Etihad Rail Means for Dubai Property
For residents of south Dubai, the new station puts intercity rail within easy reach of communities such as Jumeirah Golf Estates, Jumeirah Village Circle and Al Barsha South. Better connectivity can support demand over time, but it is only one factor in property prices. Our JVC investment guide looks at one nearby community in detail.
Final Thoughts
Etihad Rail has moved from plan to reality. Freight is fully running, passenger trains now link Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, and more stations are scheduled to open through early 2027. We will keep this guide updated as new stations and services launch.
