DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Nearly one month after launching passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, Etihad Rail is preparing for the next phase of its nationwide expansion, with several new stations scheduled to open across the UAE through 2027.
The growing passenger network is designed to connect major cities and regional destinations while integrating with buses, taxis and urban transit systems, making rail travel an increasingly practical option for residents and visitors.
More stations opening across the UAE
The next major milestone arrives on Sept. 30, 2026, when passenger services expand to include Dubai Station, located near Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah.
Additional stations will open in phases:
- Nov. 30, 2026: Madinat Zayed and Liwa stations in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region.
- Dec. 30, 2026: Al Sila, Al Dhannah and Al Mirfa stations.
- March 30, 2027: Sharjah University City Station, completing the first phase of the passenger network.
Once complete, the railway will span about 900 kilometers, linking 11 stations across all seven emirates.
Current ticket prices
Passengers traveling on the introductory Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route can currently benefit from launch fares.
Comfort Class
- From AED 55 (regular fare AED 109)
Premium Class
- From AED 120 (regular fare AED 239)
Travelers can choose between Saver, Value and Flex fare options depending on flexibility and refund requirements. Reduced fares are also available for eligible children and senior citizens.
Ticket prices for future routes will be announced closer to the launch of each service.
Travelers can book journeys through the official Etihad Rail website:
https://www.etihadrail.ae
A journey across three landscapes
Among the routes currently in operation, the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah service has quickly become one of the country’s most distinctive rail experiences.
The trip begins in the capital before crossing expansive desert landscapes, passing through the Hajar Mountains via a network of engineered tunnels and continuing toward Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman.
The changing scenery has made the route attractive not only for commuters but also for travelers looking to experience different parts of the UAE without driving.
Easy onward connections
Etihad Rail is expanding alongside the UAE’s wider public transport network to simplify travel beyond each station.
In Abu Dhabi, shuttle buses already connect Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station with destinations including:
- ADNOC Headquarters
- ADNEC Centre
- Reem Mall
The MR1 and MR2 public bus routes have also been introduced to connect the railway station with the Main Bus Station and Al Zahya Bus Station.
In Dubai, the future Etihad Rail station will integrate with the city’s Metro network, buses and taxi services. Under a partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority, passengers will also be able to use Nol cards across connected public transport services.
The future Etihad Rail network
When fully operational, the passenger railway will connect communities from Al Sila, near the Saudi border, to Fujairah on the UAE’s east coast.
Planned passenger stations include:
- Al Sila
- Al Dhannah
- Al Mirfa
- Madinat Zayed
- Liwa (Mezairaa)
- Mohamed Bin Zayed City
- Al Faya
- Dubai
- Sharjah University City
- Al Dhaid
- Fujairah
The expansion forms part of the UAE’s long-term strategy to improve inter-emirate mobility, reduce reliance on road travel and provide faster public transport links between major cities and regional destinations.
For schedules, ticket bookings and service updates, travelers can visit the official Etihad Rail website at https://www.etihadrail.ae, while Dubai public transport information is available through the Roads and Transport Authority at https://www.rta.ae.
