A launch under presidential patronage
Etihad Rail‘s Dubai Station was inaugurated on 28 September 2026. In attendance were Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail.
Ahead of the ceremony, the head of state travelled from Abu Dhabi to Dubai aboard Etihad Rail, where he was briefed on operations, national objectives and the services offered to passengers. On arrival, he met Emirati professionals involved in the project.
The event marks the official launch of the national passenger network. It also opens a new phase of roll-out, designed to connect more cities and regions across the country. Commercial services between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah begin on 30 September 2026.
Dubai, a new gateway to the national rail network
During his tour of the station, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reviewed its facilities, services and operational systems. The technologies deployed are intended to ensure a seamless journey, from arrival at the station through ticketing and boarding to the final destination. Shadi Malak, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail, outlined the station’s role in connecting Dubai with the rest of the country.
For the Crown Prince, the station will serve as a new gateway linking Dubai to the federal capital and the rest of the Emirates. It is expected to strengthen connectivity, support urban and economic growth and consolidate the emirate’s position as a global hub for business, tourism and investment. In his view, integrating Dubai into the national network will also improve the city’s accessibility and support its development ambitions.
This new access point comes in a mixed year for the emirate’s hotel sector. In the spring, regional tensions weighed heavily on demand, leading to a historic drop in hotel occupancy and a series of temporary or permanent closures of luxury properties.
A network built in under five years
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sees the launch as a major milestone in the “Projects of the 50”, the national programme of major projects. He stressed that the network strengthens connectivity between the emirates while supporting economic competitiveness and quality of life.
The Chairman of Etihad Rail noted that, in less than five years, the project has grown into an integrated national network connecting the country’s communities and business hubs. He cited strong demand on the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route as a sign of public confidence in passenger rail. Each new extension of the network, he said, should further strengthen integration between the emirates.
Keolis at the operational helm
Passenger services are operated by Etihad Rail Mobility, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and French group Keolis. The partnership combines Keolis’s international expertise in rail operations with national know-how in transport management.
Tickets are on sale via the Etihad Rail mobile app and website, as well as from ticket machines in stations. Fares start at around €9 (AED39) in Comfort Class and around €26 (AED109) in Premium Class.
Intermodality designed for the last mile
Dubai Station is connected to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station by a dedicated pedestrian bridge, allowing passengers to transfer directly from train to metro. A range of public and private transport options then allows them to continue their journey across the emirate.
The station is also integrated into Dubai’s Nol system. A single QR code can be used to book both an Etihad Rail journey and public transport, and is valid on trains, the metro, trams and buses.
Analysis – For hotel operators and investors, the opening of this corridor between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah reshapes the geography of domestic and tourist flows. Rail becomes an alternative to the road for short breaks, inter-emirate business travel and guests heading to resorts on the east coast. Rail is also attracting interest from the luxury travel segment: Arsenale has signed a luxury train project with Etihad Rail, mentioned during its €300 million bond issue.
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At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Etihad Rail opens Dubai Station, launching the UAE national passenger network
Dubai Station inaugurated on 28 September 2026 in the presence of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed
Passenger services between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah start on 30 September 2026
Operated by Etihad Rail Mobility, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis
Fares from AED39 (about €9) in Comfort Class and AED109 (about €26) in Premium Class
Direct link to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station and single QR code ticketing via Dubai’s Nol system
