Etihad Rail Dubai-Abu Dhabi Service Starts Sept 30

Commuters across the UAE are preparing for a significant transformation in regional travel as Etihad Rail prepares to officially launch its passenger service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. This new rail link is designed to alleviate the daily stress of commuting, offering a faster alternative to road travel for those living in areas like Dubai South, Al Furjan, and DIP who work in the capital.

Fast Connections and New Stations

The service will connect two major new terminals: the Al Yalayis station in Dubai—conveniently located near the E311 Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Jumeirah Golf Estates—and the Mohammed bin Zayed City terminal in Abu Dhabi. The journey is expected to be remarkably efficient, with travel times estimated to take between 57 minutes and 1 hour and 4 minutes.

On the day of the inauguration, the rail service will provide five round trips. Early morning commuters can catch the first train departing Dubai at approximately 6:1