UAE Leaders Test New Etihad Rail Route Ahead of Official Dubai Station Launch

President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, attended the inauguration of an Etihad Rail station in Dubai, alongside several dignitaries and officials, ahead of its scheduled opening on Wednesday.

The commencement of operations at Al Yalayis Station represents a major milestone in expanding the national rail network and linking key regions and emirates. Prior to the official launch within the national passenger network, the President rode the Etihad train from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.

During the trip, he received a comprehensive briefing on the Etihad Rail operating system, its core objectives, and the service quality aimed at ensuring an international-standard passenger experience. Upon reaching Al Yalayis Station, the President greeted national staff working on the project and posed for photographs with them.

Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council; Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority; and Shadi Malak, Chief Executive of Etihad Rail.

Additionally, Sheikh Hamdan toured the station to review its facilities, services, and operational framework. The briefing emphasized advanced solutions and technologies intended to deliver a seamless passenger experience, covering everything from arrival and ticket purchasing to the completion of the journey.

"Connecting the Emirate of Dubai to the national Etihad Rail network enhances its presence at the heart of the country’s movement, supports its pivotal role in the national economy, and consolidates its position as a global centre for business, tourism and investment," stated Sheikh Hamdan. He further noted that the project adds vital national transport infrastructure to Dubai, improving accessibility and aligning with future growth ambitions.

Demonstrating the new service, Sheikh Hamdan purchased a ticket for a journey departing Dubai at 2:11 pm and arriving in Abu Dhabi at 3:13 pm, later sharing a photo of the ticket on Snapchat.

Etihad Rail officially opened bookings for the new Dubai service connecting to and from Abu Dhabi and Fujairah ahead of Wednesday's launch, following an initial ticket system preview on September 22. The nationwide project forms part of the UAE’s broader strategy to establish an integrated transport network supporting both passenger and freight movement across all emirates.