Etihad Rail Launches Passenger Service, Linking the UAE’s Two Biggest Business Hubs by Rail

Etihad Rail officially launched its national passenger network today, September 30, with the opening of Dubai’s Al Yalayis Station, connecting the UAE’s two biggest business hubs by rail. 

The Dubai launch follows the introductory Abu Dhabi-Fujairah service, which began June 30, and brings Dubai into the country’s expanding passenger rail system.

Services from Dubai run to Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, giving travelers an intercity alternative to road transport. The Abu Dhabi-Dubai journey takes 64 minutes, and the Dubai-Fujairah trip takes around 70 minutes. Al Dhaid station also opens today. Trains run at speeds of up to 200 km/h, and the fleet comprises 13 trains, each carrying up to 400 passengers. The Dubai connection begins with 10 daily journeys from Abu Dhabi.

Al Yalayis Station, in Jumeirah Golf Estates, is the third railway station to open in Dubai and was completed ahead of schedule. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated it on Monday, joined by senior UAE leaders, and traveled by train from Abu Dhabi to Dubai ahead of the official launch.

A pedestrian bridge of about 400 meters links the station to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, giving passengers onward access across Dubai via the Red Line. The station also offers parking, taxis, buses and private transport operators for the final leg of a trip. Etihad Rail ran trial operations ahead of the launch, testing stations, trains and the route between Abu Dhabi, Mohamed bin Zayed City and Al Yalayis, and assessing the passenger experience and integration with other transport networks.

Early demand for the introductory phase suggests a ready market. When the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah bookings opened in June, more than 5,000 passengers reserved seats within two days, and the Etihad Rail app became the most downloaded free app in the country. 

Introductory fares on the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route started at AED55 for Comfort Class, which includes guaranteed seating, Wi-Fi, power at every seat and generous luggage space. Premium Class started at AED120 and adds wider seats and complimentary refreshments.

The service is operated by Etihad Rail Mobility, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and the international operator Keolis, combining global rail expertise with local market knowledge. 

The launch comes less than five years after passenger rail was announced as part of the UAE’s Projects of the 50. 

Services to Al Dhafra and Sharjah will follow in later phases.

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