Etihad Rail will inaugurate its Al Yalayis Station in Dubai on September 30, 2026, marking the emirate’s first dedicated passenger station on the UAE national railway network. The station will link Dubai with Mohammed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, with the rail journey estimated to take 57 minutes. On the same date, passenger services will extend to Al Dhaid in Sharjah, enhancing inter-emirate connectivity.
Al Yalayis Station Location and Metro Integration
Located in Jumeirah Golf Estates near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), Al Yalayis Station serves several rapidly developing residential and commercial areas in southern Dubai. These include Al Furjan, Dubai Investment Park, Green Community,
Dubai Production City, Expo City Dubai, and Dubai South. The station is approximately a 30-minute drive from Al Maktoum International Airport depending on traffic conditions. A pedestrian bridge under construction will connect Al Yalayis Station directly to the nearby Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on Dubai Metro’s Red Line, allowing seamless transfers between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s urban transit system.
Etihad Rail Network Expansion and High-Speed Rail Plans
Etihad Rail’s national passenger network is progressing in phases, with 10 stations across the UAE expected to be operational by March 2027. Dubai will ultimately host four Etihad Rail stations: two connected to the national passenger line and two reserved
for the planned fully electrified Dubai-Abu Dhabi High-Speed Rail service. The high-speed project, targeting operational status by 2030, aims to reduce travel time between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to around 30 minutes. The other national passenger station location in Dubai has not been officially disclosed but is indicated near the Meydan area on the 2032 rail network map. The two high-speed rail stations are planned for Al Maktoum International Airport and Al Jaddaf, the latter connecting to Dubai Metro’s Green Line and future Blue Line. Additionally, Dubai Metro’s Blue Line is projected to open in 2029.
Ticketing, Fares, and Passenger Policies
Introductory ticket prices for
Etihad Rail services range from Dh55 for Comfort Class to Dh120 for Premium Class, representing roughly a 50% reduction compared to standard adult rates. Discounts include 50% off fares for children aged 2 to 17 and 20% off for seniors aged 60 or above. Infants under two travel free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available through the Etihad Rail mobile application and official website, offering features such as schedule checks, seat selection, and booking management. Passengers must arrive at least 20 minutes before departure, as boarding gates close two minutes ahead of scheduled departure times. If a train
is delayed 30 minutes or more by Etihad Rail, affected passengers may rebook, receive refunds, or use alternative transport. Service cancellations by Etihad Rail entitle passengers to rebook or alternative transport without additional charges. However, missing a train due to passenger oversight does not allow for refunds or compensation.
Passenger Etiquette and Infrastructure Context
Passengers are urged to keep tickets ready before boarding and avoid blocking platform doors. Large luggage must be stored in designated areas, while smaller items should fit under seats or overhead compartments. Maintaining low noise levels is encouraged, with the use of headphones for audio and brief phone conversations preferred. The
establishment of Al Yalayis Station reflects Dubai’s ongoing growth in its southern districts, including expanding residential areas and infrastructure projects like Dubai South and Al Maktoum International Airport. This station is a strategic transport node connecting the emirate’s urban developments to the national railway.
Future Integration with Dubai Metro Gold Line
Dubai has approved a Dh34 billion project for the Metro Gold Line, extending 42 kilometres with 18 stations planned. The Gold Line is scheduled for completion by 2032 and will integrate with Etihad Rail services. Areas served include Jumeirah Golf Estates, providing further multimodal connectivity. The broader plan for Dubai’s Etihad Rail stations combines connectivity to
the national passenger network with the future high-speed rail service, establishing a comprehensive rail transit network linking the emirate with other UAE regions.
