Dubai is set to join the UAE’s national passenger rail network on September 30, when Etihad Rail’s Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates begins passenger operations.
The new service will connect Dubai with Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Station in Abu Dhabi, creating a direct rail link between the two emirates. The journey is expected to take about 57 minutes.
Etihad Rail had briefly opened ticket bookings for the Dubai-Abu Dhabi service on September 22 through its website and mobile application. The booking option was subsequently paused, with the operator expected to reopen sales.
The September 30 opening is part of the phased expansion of the UAE’s passenger rail network. Dubai and Al Dhaid in Sharjah are scheduled to join the network on that date, following the June launch of passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
How much will Dubai-Abu Dhabi Etihad Rail tickets cost?
Published launch fares for the Dubai-Abu Dhabi route start at:
- Comfort Class: Dh39
- Premium Class: Dh109
These are the fares reported when bookings for the new Dubai service briefly opened. Passengers should check the official Etihad Rail booking platform for the fare applicable to their selected date and ticket type when booking resumes.
Etihad Rail’s passenger service offers Comfort and Premium classes, with different levels of seating and onboard amenities.
According to Etihad Rail’s passenger charter, both classes have complimentary Wi-Fi and charging facilities. Premium Class provides wider seating, additional legroom and reclining seats, while food and beverages are complimentary in Premium Class. Comfort Class has a trolley service for food and drinks.
When will the Dubai-Abu Dhabi train service start?
The Dubai passenger service is scheduled to begin on September 30, 2026.
The first published Dubai-Abu Dhabi service was scheduled to leave Al Yalayis Station at about 6.14am, reaching Abu Dhabi at about 7.18am. Five round-trip services were scheduled for the opening day, according to published timetable information.
The exact timetable and available services should be checked through Etihad Rail’s official booking system before travelling.
Where is Al Yalayis Station?
Dubai’s new Etihad Rail station is located in Jumeirah Golf Estates, close to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311).
The station is positioned near the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, giving passengers a connection between the national rail network and Dubai Metro. The station is also accessible from major roads including E311, E44 and D57.
The National reported that the station is connected to the Dubai Metro Red Line by an elevated pedestrian walkway of about 400 metres.
What does the new route mean for UAE passengers?
The Dubai opening represents another stage in Etihad Rail’s gradual rollout of passenger services across the UAE.
The national passenger service began on June 30 with the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route. Etihad Rail said more than 70,000 tickets had been sold by August 3, with customers booking an average of 12 days before travel.
The network is being expanded in phases. Etihad Rail currently lists Dubai and Al Dhaid for September 30, followed by additional stations in the Al Dhafra region and Sharjah during the following months.
Etihad Rail’s official passenger information says the network is designed to provide another option for travel between UAE cities and destinations, alongside existing modes of transport.
How can passengers book Etihad Rail tickets?
Etihad Rail says tickets can be purchased through its website and mobile application, while ticket vending machines are also available at stations.
Its passenger charter states that passengers need a valid reservation before boarding. Tickets can also be accessed digitally through the Etihad Rail app, mobile browser or email confirmation, with printed tickets available from station ticket vending machines.
Passengers should ensure the name on the ticket matches their identification documents.
The operator also provides different fare types with different rules for changes and refunds. Saver fares are non-refundable, while Value and Flex fares provide progressively greater flexibility under specified conditions.
UAE rail network continues to expand
The Dubai-Abu Dhabi connection is only one stage of the wider passenger network.
Etihad Rail says passenger services began with Abu Dhabi-Fujairah on June 30, followed by Dubai and Al Dhaid on September 30. Madinat Zayed and Liwa are scheduled for November 30, the remaining Al Dhafra stations for December 30, and Sharjah Station for March 30, 2027.
For Dubai residents and commuters, the September 30 launch will introduce a new rail option for reaching Abu Dhabi directly, with Al Yalayis providing the Dubai departure point for the national passenger network.
Booking availability and fares can change, so passengers should confirm the latest information through Etihad Rail’s official booking platform before making travel plans.
What is the Etihad Rail Dubai-Abu Dhabi journey time?
The Dubai-Abu Dhabi journey is expected to take about 57 minutes between Al Yalayis Station and Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Station.
When does Etihad Rail’s Dubai station open?
Al Yalayis Station in Dubai is scheduled to open for passenger services on September 30, 2026.
How much is an Etihad Rail ticket from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Published fares for the route started at Dh39 for Comfort Class and Dh109 for Premium Class when bookings briefly opened.
Where is Al Yalayis Station?
Al Yalayis Station is in Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and close to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station.
How can I book an Etihad Rail ticket?
Etihad Rail allows passengers to book through its official website and mobile application. Tickets are also available through station ticket vending machines.
Does Etihad Rail have Premium and Comfort classes?
Yes. Etihad Rail operates both Comfort Class and Premium Class, with Premium offering wider seating, additional legroom and reclining seats.
When did Etihad Rail passenger services begin?
The first national passenger service began on June 30, 2026, connecting Fujairah and Abu Dhabi.
What stations are being added after Dubai?
Etihad Rail’s current rollout includes further stations in the Al Dhafra region and Sharjah, with the network expanding in stages through March 2027.
