Etihad Rail Opens Dubai–Abu Dhabi Bookings Ahead Of Launch

UAE, September 2026 — Etihad Rail has opened bookings for passenger services between Dubai and Abu Dhabi as the operator prepares to bring Dubai into the UAE’s expanding national passenger rail network. The new service will operate from Al Yalayis Station near Jumeirah Golf Estates to Mohamed bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi.

The Dubai–Abu Dhabi journey is scheduled to take approximately 57 minutes. Initial fares are set at Dh39 for Comfort Class and Dh109 for Premium Class, with the first Dubai departure scheduled for shortly after 6am. Al Yalayis Station is also connected to Dubai Metro through a pedestrian link, supporting integration between the national railway and the city’s urban transport network.

The launch follows the introduction of Etihad Rail’s first passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30. The operator reported that more than 70,000 passenger tickets had been sold during the initial phase, while further network expansion is scheduled for Al Dhaid, Liwa, Madinat Zayed, other Al Dhafra stations and Sharjah through March 2027.

The Dubai connection represents an important addition to the network because the corridor links two of the UAE’s largest economic and population centres. Its scheduled journey time provides an alternative to road travel, while the integration with Dubai Metro could improve connections for passengers travelling beyond the railway station itself.

As additional stations enter service, Etihad Rail’s passenger network will progressively connect 11 cities and key areas across the UAE. The phased rollout illustrates the UAE’s broader approach to developing an integrated national railway capable of supporting inter-emirate mobility alongside existing road and urban transport systems.

Source: Travel Daily Media