Dubai joins the national rail network on September 30, 2026, when Etihad Rail opens its first passenger station in the emirate at Al Yalayis in Jebel Ali. The launch, announced alongside the opening of Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah, gives commuters and tourists a brand-new way to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi — in just 57 minutes.
The new Dubai station connects directly to the Dubai Metro through a dedicated pedestrian footbridge linking the rail terminal to Jumeirah Golf Estates station on the Red Line, roughly one kilometre apart. The seamless transfer means passengers arriving by train can hop straight onto the metro without stepping outside the station complex.
Etihad Rail Dubai Station: Opening Date and Metro Link
The Al Yalayis station in Jebel Ali becomes Etihad Rail’s Dubai gateway on September 30, 2026. A dedicated pedestrian footbridge connects the rail terminal directly with Jumeirah Golf Estates metro station on the Dubai Metro Red Line, around a kilometre apart — a transfer link designed for commuters travelling between the two modes.
RTA Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors Mattar Al Tayer confirmed that the Roads and Transport Authority has coordinated with Etihad Rail to ensure smooth transfers between the rail station and metro services, with feeder planning built around passenger flows at the new interchange.
Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 57 Minutes
The headline figure for travellers: the Abu Dhabi to Dubai rail journey takes around 57 minutes. Etihad Rail estimates the service will cut commute times by up to 40% compared with driving during peak traffic, a meaningful saving on one of the busiest corridors in the country.
For tourists, that speed opens up the UAE in a new way. An Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai — to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island or the Louvre Abu Dhabi — becomes far easier when the intercity leg is a relaxed hour on a train rather than a car journey through Sheikh Zayed Road traffic.
Nol Card Travel and Station Transfers
Passengers will be able to pay with their Nol cards on the new service, the same smart card used across the Dubai Metro, trams and buses. The shared ticketing removes one more friction point for visitors: a single card covers the train into Dubai and the metro ride to your hotel, the top attractions and beyond.
What’s Next: A Meydan Station and 350 km/h High-Speed Rail
The Al Yalayis station is only the start of Dubai’s rail story. A second Dubai station is planned for Meydan, integrated with the Metro Gold Line, targeted for 2032. Longer term, Etihad Rail is also planning a separate high-speed passenger service capable of 350 km/h, which would slash the Dubai–Abu Dhabi journey to just 30 minutes — roughly half the time of the conventional rail service opening this month.
If you’re planning a trip around the rail launch, check our guide to the best time to visit Dubai and where to stay in Dubai — areas near the Red Line, such as Jebel Ali, Dubai Marina and JLT, will benefit most from the new connection.
Etihad Rail Dubai Station FAQs
When does the Etihad Rail Dubai station open?
The Dubai station at Al Yalayis in Jebel Ali opens on September 30, 2026, alongside the new Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah.
How does the Etihad Rail Dubai station connect to the Dubai Metro?
A dedicated pedestrian footbridge links the station directly to Jumeirah Golf Estates station on the Dubai Metro Red Line, about one kilometre apart.
How long is the Abu Dhabi to Dubai train journey?
The journey takes around 57 minutes, cutting commute times by up to 40% compared with driving.
Can I use a Nol card on Etihad Rail?
Yes. Passengers will be able to use Nol cards on the new service, the same card used on the metro, tram and buses.
Will there be more Etihad Rail stations in Dubai?
A second Dubai station is planned for Meydan, integrated with the Metro Gold Line by 2032. A separate 350 km/h high-speed rail service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is also planned, with a 30-minute journey time.
Sources: UAE Scooped, Stalk Dubai. Official updates: etihadrail.ae and rta.ae.
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