Dubai inaugurates Etihad Rail station as UAE launches national passenger network

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of Etihad Rail, inaugurated the Etihad Rail station in Dubai on Monday, marking the official launch of the UAE’s national passenger rail network.

The launch also marks the beginning of a new phase of expansion aimed at connecting more cities and regions across the country.

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the inauguration after travelling by Etihad Rail from Abu Dhabi to Dubai ahead of the official launch. During the journey, he reviewed the railway’s operating system, national objectives and passenger services, which are designed to meet international standards.

Upon arriving at the Dubai station, the President met Emirati professionals involved in the project and posed for commemorative photographs with them.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President; and several other officials.

During a tour of the station, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed reviewed its facilities, services and operating systems. They were briefed on the advanced technologies designed to provide passengers with an integrated travel experience, covering station arrival, ticket booking, travel procedures, boarding and onward journeys to their destinations.

Shadi Malak, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail, briefed Sheikh Hamdan on the station’s role in the national passenger rail network and its importance in connecting Dubai with other parts of the UAE.

Sheikh Hamdan also met Emirati professionals working on the project and reviewed their contributions to developing and operating passenger services, as well as building national expertise in the railway sector.

Sheikh Hamdan said the Dubai station would serve as a new national gateway, strengthening the emirate’s connections with Abu Dhabi and other cities across the UAE. He added that the station would support Dubai’s urban and economic growth and its global standing.

“Connecting the Emirate of Dubai to the national Etihad Rail network strengthens its position at the heart of the country’s mobility network, supports its pivotal role in the national economy and reinforces its status as a global centre for business, tourism and investment,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

He said the railway would enhance Dubai’s infrastructure by improving accessibility to and from the emirate while keeping pace with its growth and future ambitions.

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed described the launch of the national passenger rail network as a strategic milestone in implementing one of the Projects of the 50. He said it would strengthen connectivity between the emirates, support the UAE’s economic competitiveness and improve quality of life.

He noted that the passenger rail project had developed from its announcement into an integrated national network in less than five years. The network connects communities and business centres, expands access to opportunities and supports economic and social development across the country.

Sheikh Theyab also pointed to strong demand for passenger rail services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah since operations began, saying it reflected public confidence in the new transport option and its role in meeting passenger needs and improving the efficiency of the national transport system.

“With every new extension of the network, we strengthen the integration of our emirates and open broader horizons for growth and prosperity,” he said.

Passenger services connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah will begin on September 30, 2026. Tickets are available through the Etihad Rail app, its website and ticket machines at stations. Fares start at Dh39 for Comfort Class and Dh109 for Premium Class.

The Dubai station will connect the national railway network with the emirate’s wider transport system, providing passengers with access to public and private transport options for onward travel.

A dedicated pedestrian bridge links the Etihad Rail station to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, enabling direct transfers between the railway and Dubai Metro.

The integration with Dubai’s Nol system will also allow passengers to book Etihad Rail journeys and Dubai public transport services using a single QR code. The code can be used for train, Metro, tram and bus journeys.

Passenger rail services are operated by Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis, an international passenger transport operator.

The partnership brings together international expertise in railway operations and national capabilities in transport management to establish an operating model focused on service quality and the passenger experience in accordance with international standards.