Etihad Rail has officially launched its first passenger train service out of Dubai, marking another big step forward for the UAE’s national railway network. The Dubai service kicked off on September 30, 2026.
This new service links Dubai with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, giving residents another way to travel between the emirates besides the usual road trip. It follows the earlier launch of passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah back on June 30, 2026.
Dubai’s connection to the network runs through Al Yalayis Station, located near Jumeirah Golf Estates. The station is now part of the expanding Etihad Rail passenger network that’s steadily linking different corners of the UAE.
Which Cities Are Connected By Etihad Rail From Dubai?
The new Dubai service connects the city with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, giving passengers a train option instead of relying purely on the roads to get between emirates.
The main routes on offer are Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Dubai to Fujairah, and the return trips in both directions. The wider network continues to grow as more locations across the UAE get added over time.
The September 30 expansion also brought Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah into the fold. That means this latest phase now covers both Dubai and central Sharjah, connecting them to the rest of the country.
Where Is Etihad Rail’s Dubai Station?
Etihad Rail’s Dubai station is Al Yalayis Station, sitting near Jumeirah Golf Estates. It’s built to serve as a key link between the national railway and Dubai’s wider public transport system.
The station also connects to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Red Line through a dedicated pedestrian walkway, meaning passengers can hop off the train and continue their journey straight onto the Metro.
This connection comes in especially handy for anyone heading further into Dubai after arriving by train, bringing the intercity railway much closer to the emirate’s existing transport network.
How Long Does the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Train Take?
The Etihad Rail train covers the distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in around 64 minutes. The first scheduled service out of Dubai departs at 6:14 am and arrives in Abu Dhabi by 7:18 am.
That gives passengers a fairly quick and direct rail option between the two cities, useful for commuters, business travellers and anyone making regular trips to the capital.
| Dubai to Abu Dhabi | Details |
|---|---|
| Departure from Dubai | 6:14 am |
| Arrival in Abu Dhabi | 7:18 am |
| Travel time | About 64 minutes |
How Long Does the Dubai-Fujairah Train Take?
Travellers heading from Dubai to Fujairah can take a direct Etihad Rail service that takes roughly 70 minutes.
The scheduled service departs Dubai at 1:57 pm and reaches Fujairah by 3:07 pm, opening up another rail link between Dubai and the eastern side of the UAE.
| Dubai to Fujairah | Details |
|---|---|
| Departure from Dubai | 1:57 pm |
| Arrival in Fujairah | 3:07 pm |
| Total journey | About 70 minutes |
This also makes it far easier for passengers to travel between Dubai and Fujairah by rail rather than making the full trip by road.
How Much Is the Etihad Rail Ticket From Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Ticket prices from Dubai to Abu Dhabi start at AED 39 for Comfort Class. If you want a more premium experience, Premium Class fares start from AED 109.
Actual prices can shift depending on the service, travel date, class chosen, and seat availability, so it’s worth checking the fare at the time of booking.
| Class | Starting Fare |
|---|---|
| Comfort Class | AED 39 |
| Premium Class | AED 109 |
What Is the Dubai-Fujairah Train Fare?
On the Dubai to Fujairah route, Comfort Class fares start at AED 29, while Premium Class begins at AED 89.
These different classes let passengers pick what works best for their budget and comfort preferences. Just like the Abu Dhabi route, it’s a good idea to confirm the exact fare while booking.
| Class | Starting Fare |
|---|---|
| Comfort Class | AED 29 |
| Premium Class | AED 89 |
How Can You Book Etihad Rail Tickets?
You can book tickets through the official Etihad Rail website, the Etihad Rail mobile app, or ticket vending machines located at the stations.
While booking, you’ll be able to choose your departure station, travel date, preferred time, travel class and even your seat.
It’s worth checking availability and fares in advance, especially during busier travel periods, since the booking system shows up-to-date details for each service.
Etihad Rail Dubai Station and Dubai Metro Connection
Al Yalayis Station hasn’t been built as a standalone railway facility. Its link to Dubai Metro’s Red Line is designed specifically to make switching between intercity rail and local public transport as smooth as possible.
From the station, passengers can walk straight to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station and continue on the Red Line, giving them access to several key parts of Dubai through the Metro system.
This kind of integration fits into the UAE’s broader push to connect different modes of transport, making it easier to get around the country without too many gaps in the journey.
Etihad Rail Passenger Network Expands To Sharjah
The September 30 rollout also brought Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah onto the passenger network, meaning central Sharjah is now officially part of the growing national railway system.
These latest services connect both Dubai and central Sharjah to other parts of the UAE, including Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, extending Etihad Rail’s reach well beyond individual emirates.
Over time, this passenger network is expected to play a bigger role in connecting cities and regions as the UAE continues building out its national rail infrastructure.
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UAE President Travels On Etihad Rail Before Dubai Station Opening
Just ahead of the Dubai station’s inauguration, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelled from Abu Dhabi to Dubai aboard an Etihad Rail train on September 28.
During the trip, he was briefed on the railway’s operations and passenger services, a visit that came shortly before the Dubai passenger service officially launched.
Dubai’s Al Yalayis Station was inaugurated in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underlining how significant this new station is to the national railway project.
Etihad Rail Is Expanding Across the UAE
Etihad Rail is the UAE’s national railway network, built to connect cities and regions across the country for both passenger and freight transport.
The railway also links major cities, ports, and industrial centres, making it a core part of the UAE’s broader transport and logistics setup. The passenger services add yet another layer to this growing national network.
This expansion also ties into wider national goals around economic growth, sustainability, and stronger connectivity between the emirates.
When Did Etihad Rail Passenger Services Start?
Etihad Rail’s first passenger service launched between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30, 2026, with Dubai joining the network on September 30.
Adding Al Yalayis Station marks a major milestone, since Dubai is one of the UAE’s busiest hubs for population, business, and tourism. This new connection gives passengers yet another way to move between the emirates.
With Dubai and Al Dhaid now part of the system, the passenger railway is entering a broader phase of its national rollout, linking more communities with Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and other parts of the UAE.