UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelled from Abu Dhabi aboard an Etihad Rail train on Monday to join Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for the inauguration of Dubai's new Etihad Rail station, built in the Al Yalayis area. The station opens to passengers on September 30, linking Dubai with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sheikh Hamdan said the station "adds a new national gateway that enhances its connection with the capital and the rest of the country's cities." Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the Etihad Rail board, also attended. the Dubai-Abu Dhabi journey will take about one hour and two minutes. Fares start at Dh39 for Comfort Class and Dh109 for Premium Class. The Dubai station connects via a pedestrian bridge to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, and ticketing is integrated with the Nol smart card system, letting travellers use a single QR code across train, metro, tram and bus. Passenger operations are run by a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis.
The station is part of the UAE's national rail network, intended to modernise the country's transport system and cut travel times between emirates. With the September 30 launch date approaching, demand for tickets is expected to rise in the coming days.