Etihad Rail and Miral Integrate Shuttle Services for Yas Island Access

UAE, October 2026 – Etihad Rail and Miral signed a memorandum of understanding on 21 October 2026 to connect Mohamed bin Zayed City Station with Yas Island’s Yas Express shuttle network. The agreement aims to make it easier for passengers arriving by train to continue their journeys to the island’s leisure destinations without needing to arrange separate transport independently.

Under the partnership, passengers will be able to use free Yas Express shuttle services to reach major attractions, including Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld. The initiative builds on the existing Yas Express network, which already serves destinations around the island. The Yas Express ER1 route also connects Mohamed bin Zayed City Station with Yas Mall, with scheduled departures and a journey time of approximately 30 minutes from the station.

The arrangement addresses a common challenge in railway development: ensuring passengers can travel conveniently between stations and their final destinations. By coordinating rail and shuttle services, the two organisations aim to improve accessibility for tourists and other visitors while making public transport a more attractive alternative to private vehicles and taxis. Both parties are also exploring future digital integration between their transport systems to create a more connected passenger journey.

The partnership forms part of Etihad Rail’s broader effort to expand first- and last-mile transport options alongside its passenger railway services. Other connections from Mohamed bin Zayed City Station include dedicated bus routes operated by Abu Dhabi Mobility and paid shuttle services to destinations such as Reem Mall, ADNEC and ADNOC headquarters. These connections demonstrate the importance of linking intercity rail services with local bus and shuttle networks to improve overall transport accessibility.

The agreement highlights how cooperation between railway operators and destination developers can strengthen the role of rail in tourism and urban mobility. By improving connections beyond the station, Etihad Rail and Miral aim to make rail-based journeys more convenient while supporting sustainable travel choices. The success of such initiatives will depend on reliable shuttle operations, convenient scheduling and effective coordination between transport providers and the destinations they serve.

Source: The National