Dubai's Etihad Rail Station heralds new era for transport

Dubai's Etihad Rail Station, located adjacent to Jumeirah Golf Estates, is set to open at the end of September and is expected to revolutionize the city's transport, infrastructure, and property sectors. The station, known as Dubai Al Yalayis Station, is nearing completion with final touches being added to roads, landscaping, and external features like the footbridge. When fully operational, the journey between Dubai Al Yalayis Station and Abu Dhabi's Mohamed bin Zayed City Station will take approximately 57 minutes.

Transport experts anticipate that the new passenger rail service will encourage more people to commute between the emirates, potentially leading to a shift in living patterns. Dr Reem Sabouni, an associate professor at Abu Dhabi University, noted that the service may enable individuals to reside outside Dubai or Abu Dhabi while still working, studying, or traveling for leisure.

However, she emphasized that the success of the rail service depends on efficient connections to the first and last mile. This includes having the ability to park or live close to the train station and utilizing public transportation to access the railway system.

The launch of the Etihad Rail network, which began passenger operations on June 30, has already spurred interest among commuters and tourists alike. OM the Rails, a UK-based rail enthusiast, believes that the Dubai station will significantly reduce car dependency, with driving between Dubai and Abu Dhabi taking up to an hour and a half. Instead, the new railway service offers a one-hour journey, combined with the opportunity to enjoy the desert landscape.

Realtors in the surrounding areas, collectively known as Dubai South, predict a boom in property prices over the next three to five years. Pierre Bassez, a real estate expert, expects increases due to the significant investments in new roads, Metro stations, and other developments in the region. Luke Marston, an associate director at Century 21, anticipates a rise in rental demand around the area, particularly in DIP (Dubai Investments Park) and Jumeirah Golf Estates.