The UAE’s passenger rail network is beginning to take shape, with more exciting news announced; Etihad Rail has now confirmed the locations and opening schedules for all 10 of its major passenger stations.
Following the first service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, the wider rollout is now becoming clearer, with additional stations set to welcome passengers in phases through to 2027.
Once complete, the network will offer a new way to travel between some of the country’s biggest cities and communities.
Two Stations Already in Operation
Passenger services officially got underway this week, with trains now running between Mohamed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi and Al Hilal in Fujairah.
These are currently the only stations in these two locations serving travellers, offering the first glimpse of how rail travel is expected to transform future journeys across the UAE.
The much-anticipated launch marked the beginning of a wider national network that will continue expanding over the next several months.
Eight More Stations Are on the Way
The next stage of the rollout is scheduled for 30 September 2026, when stations at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai and Al Dhaid are expected to open.
Al Faya, Al Sila’, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, and Madinat Zayed are planned to follow in December 2026, extending services across the Al Dhafra region in the western area.
The final station, and a critical one, is University City in Sharjah, which is currently expected to open in March 2027, completing the first phase of the passenger rail network.
Ten Confirmed Etihad Rail Passenger Stations
Below are the ten confirmed stations that will be in operation.
- Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi – Now open
- Al Hilal, Fujairah – Now open
- Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai – Scheduled to Open 30 September 2026
- Al Dhaid – Scheduled to open 30 September 2026
- Al Faya – Scheduled to open in December 2026
- Al Sila’ – Scheduled to open in December 2026
- Al Dhannah – Scheduled to open in December 2026
- Al Mirfa – Scheduled to open in December 2026
- Madinat Zayed – Scheduled to open in December 2026
- University City, Sharjah – Scheduled to open in March 2027
A Growing Network for the Future
As more stations come online, Etihad Rail is set to reshape how people travel across the Emirates, as expanding networks are designed to improve connectivity between major population centres, reduce journey times and provide a practical alternative to travelling by road.
With the full first phase expected to be in place by March 2027, it adds another reason to get excited about living in the UAE.
To book your journey, visit Etihad Rail.
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