The UAE is preparing for a major milestone in public transportation as the highly anticipated Etihad Rail passenger network gets ready to welcome its first travelers. Stretching approximately 900 kilometers across the country, the railway will connect 10 key cities and towns, offering residents and visitors a faster and more comfortable way to travel between the emirates.

Dubai's first Etihad Rail station has also been confirmed, alongside stations in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Fujairah. The rollout will happen in stages, beginning with passenger services on June 30, followed by additional station openings on September 30, December 30, and March 30, 2027.

The 10 Confirmed Etihad Rail Stations

Mohammed Bin Zayed City – Abu Dhabi

Located in one of Abu Dhabi's busiest residential areas, this station will provide convenient access to the capital and will be among the first to welcome passengers when services begin on June 30.

Al Hilal – Fujairah

Positioned at the eastern end of the railway network, Al Hilal will serve Fujairah city and nearby Qidfa. As the first completed passenger station, it offers cafés, waiting lounges, ticket machines, car rental services, taxi ranks, parking, and QR-code ticket scanning. Operations are scheduled to begin on June 30.

Jumeirah Golf Estates – Dubai

Dubai's first Etihad Rail station will be located within the Jumeirah Golf Estates community along Sheik Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. Opening on September 30, the station is expected to integrate with Dubai's future rail network, connecting to both the existing Red Line and the planned Gold Line.

Al Dhaid – Sharjah

Serving one of Sharjah's largest inland cities, Al Dhaid station will improve travel between Sharjah and Dubai. Passenger services are expected to start on September 30.

Al Dhannah – Abu Dhabi

Situated around 240 kilometers west of Abu Dhabi city, Al Dhannah will become another important stop on the western section of the network. The station is currently expected to open on December 30.

Madinat Zayed – Abu Dhabi

Located in the Al Dhafra region, Madinat Zayed is one of the UAE's largest inland towns. Passenger services are expected to begin on December 30.

Al Mirfa – Abu Dhabi

Known for its peaceful coastline and fishing heritage, Al Mirfa will gain direct rail access as part of the network's western expansion. The station is expected to open on December 30.

Al Sila – Abu Dhabi

As the westernmost station on the Etihad Rail route, Al Sila will play an important role in the future GCC Railway Project, which aims to connect Gulf countries by rail. Service is expected to commence on December 30.

Liwa (Mezairaa) – Abu Dhabi

Liwa Oasis will become much easier to reach thanks to the new railway. Travelers will have faster access to the region's spectacular desert scenery once the station opens, with services expected to begin on December 30.

University City – Sharjah

Located close to Sharjah International Airport, University City station will offer a convenient option for students, residents, and air travelers, including Air Arabia passengers. This station is scheduled to be the final stop to enter service during the initial rollout, with an opening planned for March 30, 2027.

Modern Passenger Facilities

Etihad Rail stations are being designed to provide more than just transportation. Travelers can expect modern terminals featuring cafés, restaurants, retail shops, international brands, waiting areas, parking facilities, self-service ticket machines, car rental services, and taxi connections.

Faster Travel Across the UAE

Once fully operational, the passenger railway will dramatically reduce travel times between major destinations. Journeys between Abu Dhabi and Dubai are expected to take around 50 minutes, while the Dubai to Fujairah route will also take approximately 50 minutes.

Travel from Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais is expected to take about 1 hour and 10 minutes, while reaching Fujairah from the capital will take about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Looking ahead, a separate high-speed rail project is planned between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with trains capable of speeds up to 350 km/h, reducing travel time between the two cities to just 30 minutes.

A New Era of Rail Travel

Etihad Rail passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h across the national network. By 2030, the railway aims to carry approximately 36 million passengers annually, transforming how people travel throughout the UAE.

To make journeys even more convenient, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is preparing feeder bus routes and taxi services to connect passengers directly to the new Dubai station, making the final leg of every trip easier and more accessible.