Etihad Rail is coming to Dubai: What changes when Al Yalayis station opens September 30

Dubai is set to join the UAE's national passenger rail network with the opening of Al Yalayis Station on September 30, 2026. This marks a significant step in the expansion of the UAE's passenger rail service, following the launch of the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route on June 30. The new station in Dubai's Jumeirah Golf Estates will offer a 57-minute rail connection between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while also integrating with the city's existing public transport network.

Al Yalayis Station will serve as a hub for future connections to Al Maktoum Airport, Meydan, and the high-speed rail system. When it opens, the station will be located along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, just a short distance from the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station. Its proximity to the airport, residential, and commercial areas in southern Dubai makes it a strategic location for the region's future growth.

As the UAE rolls out its national passenger network in phases, Dubai is expected to have four Etihad Rail stations in total. These include the initial Al Yalayis Station, a future station in Meydan serving the high-speed rail project, and two more stations serving the Dubai-Abu Dhabi high-speed rail service.