Etihad Rail to open Dubai and Al Dhaid stations on 30 September
The company said it has already sold more than 70,000 tickets since the introduction of passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah
Etihad Rail has announced that its passenger network will continue to expand with the Dubai and Al Dhaid stations scheduled to open on 30 September 2026.
These openings will be followed by Liwa and Madinat Zayed on 30 November 2026 and the remaining Al Dhafra station on 30 December, and Sharjah on 30 March 2027, further strengthening connectivity between people, places and opportunities across the UAE, the company said.
Reflecting strong public demand for Etihad Rail’s services across the UAE, the company said it has already sold more than 70,000 tickets since the introduction of passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, as customers across the UAE increasingly incorporate rail into their travel plans, it said.
The figures provide one of the clearest indications yet that passenger rail is beginning to establish itself as a new travel choice for families, commuters, leisure travellers and visitors exploring the country.
Azza Al Suwaidi, Chief Operating Officer of Etihad Rail said, “People aren’t simply trying the train out of curiosity. They’re planning around it. When customers are booking nearly 2-weeks ahead, it tells us passenger rail is already becoming part of how people organise their journeys. That is an important sign that rail is beginning to establish itself as a natural travel choice across the UAE.”
The pre-operational phase witnessed strong interest from various passenger segments, including families, business travellers, schools, leisure travellers, and People of Determination, reflecting the train’s ability to meet diverse mobility needs across the UAE.
Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial of Etihad Rail Mobility concluded, “One of the most striking things we’ve seen is the diverse range of passengers choosing the train for their journeys across the UAE. This diversity highlights the role the passenger train is playing as a comfortable and reliable transport option that meets a wide range of travel needs, whether for family journeys, business travel, educational trips, leisure experiences, or exploring new destinations across the UAE.”
