Locations of 13 Etihad Rail Stations Across the UAE Announced, with Route and Opening Details
The locations of 13 Etihad Rail passenger stations across the UAE have been identified. In its first phase, the long-awaited rail network will connect 10 cities and regions nationwide.
The 900-kilometre Etihad Rail passenger network will link different parts of the UAE. Most stations in the first phase will be in Abu Dhabi, while Dubai and Fujairah will each have one station and Sharjah will have two.
The first operational stations are in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. Preliminary passenger services began on Tuesday, June 30, with the official launch scheduled for Wednesday, September 30. This phase will also include the Dubai station.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has also announced that three additional stations will be built in Dubai by 2032, two of which will be part of the high-speed rail project. However, Etihad Rail has yet to confirm these new stations.
Etihad Rail stations will feature modern amenities, including cafes, restaurants, shops and outlets operated by international brands.
Confirmed Etihad Rail Stations in the UAE
1. Al Dhaid, Sharjah
Al Dhaid is one of the largest cities in the emirate of Sharjah, and its station will play a key role in transporting passengers to Sharjah and Dubai.
The station is scheduled to begin operations on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
2. Al Dhannah, Abu Dhabi
Al Dhannah is located about 240 kilometres from Abu Dhabi city and is one of the emirate’s largest cities.
The station is expected to begin operations on Wednesday, December 30, 2026.
3. Al Hilal, Fujairah
Al Hilal station is located at the easternmost point of Etihad Rail’s passenger network, providing convenient access to Fujairah city and the Qidfa area.
It was the first station on the network to be completed and began preliminary operations on Tuesday, June 30.
4. Al Sila, Abu Dhabi
Al Sila station is located at the westernmost point of the Etihad Rail network and will be strategically important once the GCC railway project becomes operational.
The station is expected to begin operations on Wednesday, December 30, 2026.
5. Al Mirfa, Abu Dhabi
Al Mirfa is a coastal city about 130 kilometres west of Abu Dhabi city, known for its tranquil beaches and fishing activities.
The station is expected to become operational on Wednesday, December 30, 2026.
6. Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai
The station is located in the luxury residential community of Jumeirah Golf Estates, along Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road in southern Dubai.
Officially named Dubai Al Yalayis Station, it is scheduled to begin operations on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
A bridge will connect the Etihad Rail station to the Dubai Metro station.
According to Dubai’s 2032 rail network map, the existing Red Line and the future Gold Line of the Dubai Metro will also connect to the station.
7. Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi
Madinat Zayed is located about 180 kilometres southwest of Abu Dhabi city. It is one of the UAE’s largest cities and the largest urban centre in the Al Dhafra Region.
Madinat Zayed Station is expected to begin operations on Monday, November 30, 2026.
8. Liwa, Abu Dhabi
The Mezaira’a area is located in the Liwa Oasis in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The new Etihad Rail route will provide faster and easier access to the area’s natural and desert landscapes.
The station is expected to begin operations on Wednesday, December 30, 2026.
9. Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi
Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station is Etihad Rail’s most centrally located station in Abu Dhabi, providing direct access to the heart of the capital.
It is one of the network’s first two stations, with services commencing on Tuesday, June 30.
10. University City, Sharjah
Sharjah University City is located near Sharjah International Airport.
The station could provide airport access for passengers travelling with Air Arabia while helping them avoid much of the traffic along the route.
University City station will be the final station to open during the first phase, with operations scheduled to begin on Tuesday, March 30, 2027.
Three More Etihad Rail Stations to Be Built in Dubai
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has announced that the number of Etihad Rail stations in the emirate will increase to four in the coming years.
Three new stations are planned at Al Maktoum International Airport, Al Jaddaf and Meydan.
11. Al Maktoum International Airport
Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world’s largest airport by capacity, will be connected to the rail network through the high-speed train project.
Once fully developed, the airport will have an annual capacity of 260 million passengers and five runways.
Passengers travelling through Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) will also be able to check in their luggage at the train station.
12. Al Jaddaf
Al Jaddaf is a vibrant waterfront neighbourhood in northern Dubai, known for its scenic views and leisure facilities.
The opening of an Etihad Rail station in the area will connect the UAE’s national railway network to the Dubai Metro’s Blue and Green Lines.
13. Meydan
Plans are also in place to build a station in the Meydan area.
The station will connect Etihad Rail to the Dubai Metro’s Gold Line and will be the first metro station in Meydan.
It will also provide easier access to the renowned Meydan Racecourse complex.
How Much Will Etihad Rail Cut Travel Times Between UAE Cities?
The launch of Etihad Rail’s passenger network could significantly reduce travel times between cities across the UAE.
According to announced journey times, future trips from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and from Dubai to Fujairah will take just 50 minutes on the national passenger rail network.
The high-speed rail project between Abu Dhabi and Dubai will also cut travel time between the two emirates to 30 minutes.
Travel times on other routes have been announced as follows:
Abu Dhabi to Dubai: 50 minutes
Dubai to Fujairah: 50 minutes
Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Abu Dhabi to Dubai by high-speed rail: 30 minutes
In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority is stepping up efforts to provide access to the main Etihad Rail station through feeder buses and taxis, making it easier for passengers to complete the final leg of their journeys.
Etihad Rail passenger trains will reach a maximum speed of 200 kilometres per hour on the UAE’s national network, which aims to carry 36 million passengers annually by 2030.
By comparison, trains on the high-speed rail project will reach speeds of up to 350 kilometres per hour.