Etihad Rail's Dubai Station Almost Ready to Welcome Passengers: All You Need to Know

Etihad Rail's Dubai passenger train station is nearing readiness ahead of its opening on September 30, 2026, a date that also marks the formal launch of the UAE's first integrated national passenger rail network. Here is everything travellers need to know about the station, its location, and what the wider network will offer.

Where Is the Dubai Station?

The Dubai train station is located at Jumeirah Golf Estates, in the southern part of the city. Beyond serving as a passenger gateway, the station is designed as a future multi-modal interchange: it is set to eventually connect to both the Dubai Metro Red Line and the upcoming Gold Line, allowing passengers to move seamlessly between intercity rail and the city's urban transport network.

When Does It Open?

The Dubai station, along with the Al Dhaid station in Sharjah, will open on September 30, 2026, the official launch date of the UAE passenger rail network. This follows an introductory operational phase that began on June 30, 2026, connecting Abu Dhabi's Mohammed bin Zayed City station with Fujairah.

The rollout will continue in phases: stations in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region are scheduled to open on December 30, 2026, with the initial route completed upon the opening of the Sharjah Train Station on March 30, 2027.

Travel Times and Speeds

Etihad Rail's passenger trains are capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h. Once the Dubai station is operational, the Abu Dhabi to Dubai journey is expected to take around 57 minutes, well under an hour. The introductory Abu Dhabi to Fujairah service takes 1 hour and 45 minutes, compared with more than two hours by road.

A separate high-speed rail project is also under development, which will connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai at speeds of up to 350 km/h, reducing that journey to around 30 minutes. This is distinct from the standard Etihad Rail passenger service and is expected to be operational by 2030.

Fares

On the initial Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route, fares start at AED 55 for Comfort Class and AED 120 for Premium Class. Ticket prices for the Dubai route and other stations are expected to be announced closer to the September 30 launch. Bookings can be made through the Etihad Rail app and website.

What to Expect On Board and at the Station

Each train can carry up to 400 passengers and is fitted with Wi-Fi, individual power outlets, and modern seating, alongside onboard food and beverage options aimed at longer inter-emirate journeys. Stations are being equipped with modern amenities including cafés, restaurants, retail outlets, and several international brands, as well as seamless connections to metros, buses, and taxis.

The Bigger Picture

Spanning roughly 900 km, the Etihad Rail passenger network will ultimately connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, stretching from Al Sila in the Western Region to Fujairah on the east coast, and passing through hubs including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Ruwais, and Al Mirfa. Passenger numbers are expected to reach around 10 million annually in the early phase, with longer-term projections rising substantially as the network matures.

The project forms part of the UAE National Railway Programme, launched as one of the country's "Fifty Projects" in 2021, and is central to the nation's 2030 transport vision of enhancing mobility, reducing road congestion, and providing efficient, low-emission public transport. Dubai Airports leadership has also strongly hinted that Al Maktoum International Airport will eventually receive its own Etihad Rail station as part of the airport's long-term expansion, though no date has yet been confirmed.