Dubai has officially become part of the UAE’s national passenger rail network. Etihad Rail opened its Dubai station on Monday, September 28, with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai by train for the inauguration. Passenger services on the route are set to begin on Wednesday, September 30.
A Presidential Journey To Dubai
رئيس الدولة يستقل قطار الاتحاد ويشهد تدشين محطة قطارات الاتحاد في دبي، إيذانا بالتشغيل الرسمي لشبكة السكك الحديدية الوطنية، والاستعداد لبدء تشغيل الخدمات بين أبوظبي ودبي والفجيرة في 30 سبتمبر. pic.twitter.com/o0o3B2YGWf
— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) September 28, 2026
Ahead of the station’s inauguration, Sheikh Mohamed travelled from Abu Dhabi aboard an Etihad Rail passenger train. During the journey, he received a briefing on the train’s operations and onboard services.
After arriving in Dubai, the UAE President met members of the national team involved in developing the project and took photographs with them. The Dubai station was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail.
Where Is Dubai’s Etihad Rail Station?
Etihad Rail’s Dubai passenger station is located at Al Yalayis in Jumeirah Golf Estates. The station is connected to the Dubai Metro, giving passengers another public transport option for reaching the rail network.
The service connects Dubai with Etihad Rail’s Mohamed Bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi. The journey between the two cities takes approximately 57 minutes, offering an alternative to travelling by road.
Tickets, Timings And Fares
Passenger services connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah will officially start on Wednesday, September 30. One-way Comfort Class fares between Dubai and Abu Dhabi begin at AED 39, with tickets available through the Etihad Rail website.
According to the operator’s published schedule, the first train from Dubai Al Yalayis departs at 6:14 am and reaches Abu Dhabi at 7:18 am.
Who Operates Etihad Rail’s Passenger Services?
The passenger network is operated by Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and international transport company Keolis.
Dubai is not the first destination to receive passenger rail services. The Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route began operations at the end of June, with Etihad Rail Chairman Sheikh Theyab highlighting the strong demand recorded since its launch as a sign of growing public interest in rail travel.
Also Read: Etihad Airways & Etihad Rail Plan Airport Shuttles And Unified Bookings For UAE Travel
What’s Next For UAE Rail Travel?
The opening of the Dubai station is another step in Etihad Rail’s wider plan to connect more parts of the UAE through passenger rail services.
The country is also developing a separate high-speed rail project between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The proposed service will have a decreased travel time between the two emirates to around 30 minutes. However, an official launch date has not yet been announced.
For Dubai-Abu Dhabi commuters used to spending hours on Sheikh Zayed Road, the new passenger service offers another way to make the journey. From Wednesday, September 30, travellers can swap some of that road time for a seat on the UAE’s national railway.
Cover Image Courtesy: Etihad Rail/X
FAQs
How long does the journey take?
Around 57 minutes between Dubai and Abu Dhabi's Mohamed Bin Zayed City station.
When do Etihad Rail passenger services start in Dubai?
On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah.
