Etihad Rail has added six extra trains between Abu Dhabi and Dubai this weekend after the first days of Dubai passenger services drew stronger demand than expected. More than 1,000 extra seats went on sale for Saturday, October 3, with another 1,000-plus seats across three more services on Sunday, October 4.
The extra trains follow the opening of Dubai’s Al Yalayis station on September 30, which started regular passenger services linking Dubai with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. If you were planning a first ride this weekend, the added departures give you more choice — but seats are selling to people who have been waiting months to try the railway, so booking ahead matters.
The extra weekend departure times
Gulf Business reported that the additional services run at the same times on both Saturday and Sunday:
- 12:14pm — Abu Dhabi to Dubai
- 1:43pm — Dubai to Abu Dhabi
- 4:43pm — Abu Dhabi to Dubai
Tickets for the extra services went on sale at 2pm on Friday, October 2. The trains are in addition to the regular timetable, not replacements for it, so standard departures continue as scheduled.
How the Dubai service has grown in its first week
Etihad Rail began the introductory phase of passenger services on June 30, 2026, when the first train left Fujairah at 5:34am for Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi, a journey of about one hour and 45 minutes. The network then expanded on September 30 with Al Yalayis station in Dubai and Al Dhaid station in Sharjah.
The passenger trains are designed to run at up to 200 kilometres per hour. Dubai’s station sits by Jumeirah Golf Estates, where it connects with the Red Line of the Dubai Metro — handy if you are heading into the city centre without a car. Our 7-day Dubai itinerary shows how a rail day trip to Abu Dhabi or Fujairah can fit into a week-long visit.
Tips for your first Etihad Rail trip
Book the extra trains early
Weekend demand is the reason these services exist. If the midday departures sell out, check the regular timetable rather than assuming the route is full.
Plan the last mile in Dubai
Al Yalayis is not in central Dubai. Allow time for the metro connection from Jumeirah Golf Estates, or a taxi from the station, especially if you have onward plans the same evening.
Use it for a car-free day trip
The Abu Dhabi–Dubai run is the obvious first trip, but the Fujairah service opens up the east coast too. Pair it with our guide to facts about Dubai if you are showing visiting friends around, and check how to check your UAE visa status online before inviting guests from abroad.
Frequently asked questions
When do the extra Etihad Rail trains run?
On Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 12:14pm and 4:43pm from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, and 1:43pm from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
How many extra seats were released?
More than 1,000 extra seats on each day — over 2,000 across the weekend — across three additional services per day.
Where is Dubai’s Etihad Rail station?
Dubai’s Al Yalayis station is near Jumeirah Golf Estates and connects with the Dubai Metro Red Line.
How fast do Etihad Rail passenger trains travel?
The trains are designed to operate at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour.
0 Comment