The UAE’s passenger rail network has taken a major step forward with Etihad Rail launching its Dubai services that will connect Dubai with Abu Dhabi in just 64 minutes. Also, it is poised to bring the national railway directly into the emirate’s Metro network. Additionally the launch offers travellers a new alternative to driving between the UAE’s two biggest cities, with 10 daily journeys, five in each direction, between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Services operate from Dubai’s new Al Yalayis Station, located in Jumeirah Golf Estates, to Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi.
Speed and Capacity
Trains can travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h, with Etihad Rail’s passenger fleet comprising 13 trains capable of carrying up to 400 passengers each.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi Route Schedule
On the Dubai-Abu Dhabi route, five trains will operate daily in each direction. From Al Yalayis, services will depart at 6:14am, 7:14am, 1:14pm, 5:14pm and 6:14pm, completing the journey to Abu Dhabi in 64 minutes. On the other hand, services from Abu Dhabi depart at 6:43am, 7:43am, 12:43pm, 4:43pm and 5:43pm.
Fare Rates and Train Facilities (Comfort Class and Premium Class)
Fares start from AED39 in Comfort Class and AED109 in Premium Class, with prices varying depending on the selected service and travel date. Passengers will have guaranteed seating as well as Wi-Fi, charging facilities and dedicated luggage space, while Premium Class offers an upgraded onboard experience.
One of the biggest features of the new Dubai service is its integration with the city’s existing transport network. Al Yalayis Station is connected to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station via an approximately 400-metre pedestrian bridge, giving Etihad Rail passengers access to Dubai Metro’s Red Line and onward connections across the city.
Significance of the Newly Launched Al Yalayis Station
The station also provides links to taxis, buses and ride-hailing services, alongside parking facilities, helping turn the national railway into part of a wider door-to-door public transport network. The integration is particularly significant for visitors and commuters who will be able to arrive in Dubai by intercity train and continue their journey on the Metro without relying entirely on road transport.
Sharjah Station Launches
Al Dhaid in Sharjah is also joining the expanding passenger network from September 30. The station will offer services to both Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, including two daily journeys in each direction between Al Dhaid and Fujairah, taking around 25 minutes.
How Long will it Take to Travel Fro. Al Dhaid (Sharjah) to Abu Dhabi
Connections between Al Dhaid and Abu Dhabi will take approximately 84 minutes, with fares from Al Dhaid starting at AED19 in Comfort Class.
The latest launch marks another major stage in the rollout of a national passenger railway designed to connect the UAE’s cities, communities, business centres and tourism destinations.
Further Expansion Slated for December
Additionally Further expansion is planned for December 30, when services are expected to extend into the Al Dhafra region. This will see the addition of destinations like Madinat Zayed, Liwa, Al Sila, Al Dhannah and Mirfa.
Sharjah University City will join the passenger network on March 30, 2027. As the rollout continues, Etihad Rail’s wider passenger network is ultimately intended to connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, transforming a railway originally associated with national infrastructure and freight into an increasingly important part of everyday intercity travel.
Project Factsheet: Etihad Rail Passenger Network
Project Name: Etihad Rail Passenger Network
Developer/Operator: Etihad Rail
Type: Intercity Regional Passenger Rail
Ultimate Reach: Connecting 11 cities and regions across the 7 emirates of the UAE
Key Operational Specifications
- Top Train Speed: Up to 200 km/h
- Fleet Size: 13 passenger trains
- Train Capacity: Up to 400 passengers per train
- Onboard Amenities: Guaranteed seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets/charging stations, dedicated luggage racks
- Travel Classes: Comfort Class and Premium Class
Route Details and Fares
1. Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Origin Station: Al Yalayis Station (Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai)
Destination Station: Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station (Abu Dhabi)
Travel Time: 64 minutes
Frequency: 10 daily journeys (5 in each direction)
Ex-Dubai (Al Yalayis): 6:14 AM, 7:14 AM, 1:14 PM, 5:14 PM, 6:14 PM
Ex-Abu Dhabi (Mohamed Bin Zayed City): 6:43 AM, 7:43 AM, 12:43 PM, 4:43 PM, 5:43 PM
Fares: Starting at AED 39 (Comfort Class) AED 109 (Premium Class)
2. Al Dhaid (Sharjah) Routes
Fujairah to Al Dhaid: 25 minutes (2 daily journeys each way)
Al Dhaid to Abu Dhabi: 84 minutes
Starting Fare: From AED 19 (Comfort Class)
Transport Integration and First/Last Mile
Dubai Metro Connection: Al Yalayis Station is connected directly to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station (Red Line) via a 400-meter pedestrian footbridge.
Multimodal Links: Direct interchange with Dubai Metro, public buses, taxi bays, ride-hailing pick-up zones, and dedicated park-and-ride commuter parking.
Network Expansion Timeline
September 30, 2026: Launch of Dubai (Al Yalayis) and Sharjah (Al Dhaid) passenger services.
December 30, 2026: Extension into the Al Dhafra Region (Madinat Zayed, Liwa, Al Sila, Al Dhannah, and Mirfa).
March 30, 2027: Network launch at Sharjah University City.
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