The wait is finally over… The UAE’s first national passenger rail service Etihad Rail is officially underway

We now know the first 10 stations that will make up the Etihad Rail network. The new railway will stretch for around 900 kilometres, connecting communities across the UAE and making it much easier to travel between major cities and towns.

While the network is launching in phases, some stations have already opened, with others set to welcome passengers later this year and into 2027.

How long will journeys take?

Once the network is fully operational, Etihad Rail says journeys between Abu Dhabi and Dubai will take around 50 minutes, while Dubai to Fujairah will also take about 50 minutes.

Travelling from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah is expected to take one hour and 40 minutes, while journeys to Al Ruwais will take approximately one hour and 10 minutes.

Passenger trains will run at speeds of up to 200km/h, and by 2030 the network aims to carry as many as 36 million passengers each year.

Where are the Etihad Rail stations located?

Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi

One of the first stations to open, this stop will serve as the main gateway into the capital, offering direct access to Abu Dhabi city.

Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai

Dubai’s first Etihad Rail station will be located in Jumeirah Golf Estates, close to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. The station is expected to become a major transport hub, with future links to Dubai Metro’s Red Line and the planned Gold Line.

Also read: Etihad Rail: a guide to the fines every passenger should know about

Al Dhaid, Sharjah

A key stop for commuters travelling between Sharjah and Dubai, Al Dhaid will serve one of the emirate’s largest inland cities.

University City, Sharjah

Situated near Sharjah International Airport, this station could make airport journeys much easier, especially for passengers flying with low-cost carrier Air Arabia.

Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi

Located in the Al Dhafra region, this station will connect one of the UAE’s largest towns with the rest of the rail network.

Al Hilal, Fujairah

The easternmost station on the network has also entered service. Located close to Fujairah city and Qidfa, it is the first completed Etihad Rail passenger station and comes with ticket machines, parking, waiting lounges, taxis, car rental services and plenty of food and drink options.

Al Mirfa, Abu Dhabi

The coastal town of Al Mirfa, known for its beaches and fishing heritage, is also set to receive its own station.

Al Dhannah, Abu Dhabi

Further west in Abu Dhabi emirate, Al Dhannah will become another important stop on the expanding network.

Also read: Etihad Rail ticket prices revealed: Here’s how much you’ll pay

Liwa, Abu Dhabi

The new station in the Liwa Oasis will make reaching the region’s famous desert landscapes easier than ever.

Al Sila, Abu Dhabi

The westernmost station on the route is expected to play a major role in the future GCC Railway Project, which aims to connect the Gulf by rail.

When will the stations open?

The first passenger services began on June 30, with additional stations joining the network in stages.

  • Now open: Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Al Hilal, Fujairah
  • Opening on September 30: Jumeirah Golf Estates and Al Dhaid
  • Opening on December 30: Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Liwa and Al Sila
  • Opening on March 30, 2027: University City, Sharjah