First look inside Dubai's new Etihad Rail station on track to transform public transport

Etihad Rail unveiled a sneak peek of Dubai's newest train station, dubbed Dubai Al Yalayis Station, located near Jumeirah Golf Estates. This marks the first station in the emirate along the burgeoning national rail network. Just three months after the inaugural passenger service linking Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, Dubai Al Yalayis Station will now serve as a crucial commuter route bridging Dubai with Abu Dhabi, providing access to the Northern Emirates.

An Etihad Rail train carrying media representatives departed from Abu Dhabi at dawn, arriving at the station shortly before 10am. Starting from Wednesday, September 30, thousands of passengers will utilize the long-awaited service, with the aim of bolstering the UAE's public transport system and promoting eco-friendly travel to reduce congestion.

Upon entering the expansive station, visitors will encounter a comprehensive rail map, detailing both current and future stops along a network set to include ten stations by March 30. The map stretches from Fujairah in the east, traversing through Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, ultimately reaching the expansive Al Dhafra desert region.

Ground-floor ticket counters, electronic information displays, and spacious seating areas cater to the diverse needs of travelers. Retail outlets, including WHSmith, Starbucks, Lulu, and a future McDonald's, are integrated into the terminal, complemented by a 400-meter-long elevated pedestrian walkway connecting the station to Dubai Metro's Red Line.

In 2032, upon the opening of the Gold Metro Line, the station will function as an interchange between the two lines.