The UAE's national passenger railway officially entered service on 30 June 2026, with Etihad Rail connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah as the first operational route. The launch connects all seven emirates through a passenger rail network for the first time.

Etihad Rail UAE network map
Network Length
900 km
Abu Dhabi to Fujairah
Stations
11
Across all 7 emirates
First Route
1h 45m
Abu Dhabi – Fujairah
Dubai Station Opens
30 Sep 2026
Jumeirah Golf Estates
Station Network

11 Stations Across the UAE

Stations are opening in four phases between June 2026 and March 2027. The network spans from Al Sila on the Saudi border in the west to Fujairah on the east coast.

Mohamed bin Zayed City Open · 30 Jun 2026
Abu Dhabi. The starting point of the passenger network, located near Dalma Mall in one of the emirate's main residential districts.
Al Hilal City Open · 30 Jun 2026
Fujairah. The easternmost point of the network, providing direct rail access to Fujairah city and the UAE's east coast for the first time.
Jumeirah Golf Estates Opening · 30 Sep 2026
Dubai. The only Etihad Rail station in Dubai, also serving as a future interchange with the Dubai Metro Gold Line. Located within one of Dubai's established golf communities, with direct access to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.
Al Dhaid Opening · 30 Sep 2026
Sharjah. A key inland station serving residents travelling between Sharjah and other emirates.
Al Dhafra Region Stations Opening · 30 Dec 2026
Abu Dhabi. Five stations across the western region: Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, and the Liwa area — connecting Abu Dhabi's industrial and energy corridor to the national network.
University City Opening · 30 Mar 2027
Sharjah. The final station to open, completing the initial passenger network and providing a rail link to one of the UAE's largest education hubs.
Etihad Rail's Benefits for Dubai Real Estate

When Dubai Metro opened in 2009, areas near stations benefited from stronger demand as connectivity improved. Etihad Rail could create a similar effect by linking communities with employment hubs and other emirates. Areas such as Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai South, Dubai Investments Park and Dubai Festival City may benefit from improved accessibility as the network expands.

Rollout

Opening Schedule

30 June 2026
Passenger services launch. Abu Dhabi (Mohamed bin Zayed City) to Fujairah (Al Hilal City) — 1 hour 45 minutes.
30 September 2026
Dubai and Sharjah join the network. Jumeirah Golf Estates and Al Dhaid stations open, marking the official full network launch.
30 December 2026
Five Al Dhafra region stations open, extending the network westward to Abu Dhabi's industrial corridor and the Saudi border.
30 March 2027
University City station opens in Sharjah, completing the initial 11-station passenger network.