ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates: Etihad Rail will open its new passenger stations in Liwa and Zayed City on Nov. 30, 2026, bringing forward the launch by one month to improve travel across the Al Dhafra region before its annual festival season.
The revised opening date was announced under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, allowing residents and visitors to use the rail network during one of the area’s busiest tourism and cultural periods.
The two stations will become part of the UAE’s expanding national passenger rail network, which began operations between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in June before extending to Dubai and Al Dhaid in September.
Additional passenger stations across Al Dhafra are expected to open in December, while the final station in Sharjah is scheduled to enter service in March 2027, completing the network’s planned 11-station rollout.
The earlier launch is expected to improve access to major regional events, including the Liwa International Festival and Zayed City Mazayna Festival, which attract thousands of visitors from across the UAE each year.
For many travelers, rail services are expected to provide a practical alternative to long road journeys, particularly during peak festival periods when highways into Al Dhafra experience significantly higher traffic volumes.
Beyond tourism, the new stations are also expected to strengthen links between Abu Dhabi and western communities, supporting easier commuting, regional mobility and economic activity. Improved accessibility could encourage new business opportunities while making it easier for residents to travel for work, education and leisure.
Etihad Rail forms a key part of the UAE’s long-term transport strategy, designed to connect cities and communities through a modern passenger railway while reducing reliance on road transport for longer journeys.
As the national network continues to expand over the coming months, Liwa and Zayed City will become the latest destinations connected by one of the country’s largest transport infrastructure projects.
