Inside Etihad Rail's new Dubai station: Dh39 tickets, Emirati cuisine on board and a 200km/h journey to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: “Dear passengers, boarding has now begun for the train to Dubai station. Please prepare your tickets and proceed to platform 2.” With this announcement, in both Arabic and English, the countdown began for the official launch of the first Etihad Rail journey from Mohammed Bin Zayed Station in Abu Dhabi to Al Yalayis Station in Dubai, amidst an atmosphere that reflected the importance of the event. The station’s facade welcomed passengers with a huge digital screen displaying a countdown of the time remaining until departure, along with the destination, under the slogan “We are building a future that enhances connectivity between the Emirates.” This scene embodies the launch of a new phase of the rail transport system and reflects the project’s ambition to enhance connectivity and ease of movement between the various emirates of the country. In detail, the UAE's transportation sector witnessed a new milestone on Wednesday with the opening of Al Yalayis Station in Dubai and the commencement of Etihad Rail services from there to Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. The station offers passengers direct access to the Dubai Metro's Jumeirah Properties station, enhancing ease of travel to and from the train station. The UAE's transportation sector witnessed a new milestone on Wednesday with the opening of Al Yalayis Station in Dubai and the commencement of Etihad Rail services from there to Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. (Photo: Erik Arazas) Tickets for the Dubai-Abu Dhabi route are available from Dh39 in the "Comfort Class" category, while a premium ticket costs Dh109. The journey between the two cities takes approximately 60 minutes, with the train reaching a maximum speed of 200km per hour. According to the schedule, there will be 10 daily trips on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai route, in addition to six daily trips connecting Dubai to Fujairah. National achievement “Less than five years ago, the UAE passenger rail network was an ambition we were striving to achieve, and today it has become a national reality connecting the various parts of the country, where it has become more than just a means of transportation between destinations. Every detail of the journeys has been designed according to the needs of passengers, combining comfort, hospitality and the spirit that distinguishes the United Arab Emirates,” said Azra Al Mansouri, Executive Director of the Commercial Sector at Etihad Rail Passenger Services. She added: “With each new destination joining the network, the benefits of passenger trains extend to more people across the UAE. This achievement embodies the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership, which has contributed to transforming the national ambition to enhance connectivity between different regions of the country into a tangible reality.” Mobility and flexibility Amira Al Khalifi, Director of Strategy and Growth at Etihad Rail, explained that Etihad Rail's station in Dubai serves as a vital link between the national rail network and the emirate's transportation system, offering passengers greater flexibility to connect their journeys via a variety of public and private transport options. She noted that the station is connected to the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station via a dedicated pedestrian bridge, providing a direct link between Etihad Rail and the Dubai Metro. There will be 10 daily trips on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai route, in addition to six daily trips connecting Dubai to Fujairah. (Photo: Erik Arazas) Furthermore, integration with the Nol system allows passengers to combine Etihad Rail journeys with Dubai's public transport network using a single QR code that can be used across trains, Metro, trams, and buses. Al Khalifi pointed out that the project was completed in a shorter time period than the announced schedule, so that the passenger train project moved from the planning and announcement stage to a national network that connects residential communities and business centres, and expands access to opportunities, thus supporting economic and social development paths throughout the country. She emphasised that the remarkable demand for passenger train services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah since their launch reflects the growing confidence of the community in this new mode of transportation, and its role in responding to the needs of travellers and raising the efficiency of the national transport system, explaining that every expansion of the network enhances connectivity between the Emirates of the country, and supports broader prospects for growth and development. Special prices Al Khalifi said: “Etihad Rail offers special fares for specific categories of travellers, helping families, children, and the elderly to plan their trips around the UAE more easily. Infants under the age of two travel for free when sitting on the lap of the accompanying adult, while children aged two to 17 receive a special fare equivalent to 50% of the adult ticket price, and passengers aged 60 and above benefit from a 20% discount on