Etihad Rail has officially announced an accelerated timeline for its passenger services, with the Madinat Zayed and Liwa stations now set to begin operations on November 30, 2026. This move, brought forward by one month under the guidance of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aims to coincide with the peak festival season in the Al Dhafra region, significantly improving connectivity for tourists and locals alike.
Key highlights of the announcement include:
• Madinat Zayed and Liwa stations will open on November 30, 2026.
• Passenger services across the UAE are operated by Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a joint venture with Keolis.
• Introductory fares for the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route are currently offered at a 50% discount.
• The network expansion will connect 11 cities and regions by March 2027.
Expanding the National Network
Following the successful launch of the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah line on June 30, 2026—which boasts a travel time of just 1 hour and 45 minutes—the network is entering a rapid growth phase. Future connectivity milestones include the opening of Dubai Train Station (Jumeirah Golf Estates) and Al Dhaid station on September 30, 2026. By the end of 2026, the network will extend to Al Sila, Al Dhannah, and Al Mirfa. The first phase of this ambitious national project is expected to reach completion by March 30, 2027, with the opening of the Sharjah University City station.
Fare Structure and Booking Details
Etihad Rail has introduced an attractive pricing model to encourage rail travel. Passengers can currently enjoy 50% off standard rates. Comfort Class fares start at AED 55, while Premium Class begins at AED 120. The operator has also considered families and seniors, offering discounted rates for children under 17 and those aged 60 and above. Notably, infants under two years old travel for free when seated on an adult’s lap.
Tickets are currently available through the Etihad Rail mobile application and the official website. To provide travelers with maximum convenience, the service offers three distinct fare tiers—Saver, Value, and Flex—each providing different levels of flexibility for ticket modifications and refunds, ensuring a seamless passenger experience as the network continues to grow.