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UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan journeyed by train from Abu Dhabi to Dubai on September 30 as the national railway network prepared to extend passenger services to the city. This marked the beginning of scheduled intercity rail connections linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah, giving Dubai its first designated rail link. The journey allowed Sheikh Mohamed to review Etihad Rail's operations and assess the progress of the national railway project.

Upon arriving in Dubai, Sheikh Mohamed was greeted by Emirati officials involved in the railway development. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, accompanied by Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, inspected the brand new Dubai station at Al Yalayis.

The station was connected to the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station via a pedestrian bridge, providing seamless transfer options for passengers moving between Etihad Rail and Dubai Metro services.

Etihad Rail’s chief executive, Shadi Malak, briefed the attendees on the significance of the Dubai station within the broader national network and its role in facilitating travel across the UAE. The Al Yalayis facility's integration with Dubai's transport system enabled travelers to plan integrated journeys using rail, metro, tram, and bus services via a single QR code.

Dubai's newly inaugurated railway station was presented as a key gateway, strengthening connections between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other parts of the country. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the importance of this integration in supporting Dubai's ongoing economic and urban development. Following the inauguration, he personally experienced the new rail service, traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back, demonstrating the efficient scheduled travel times available between the two cities.

Ticketing for the expanded services was available through Etihad Rail’s mobile application, website, and station vending machines. Passengers could choose between Comfort Class for Dh39 and Premium Class for Dh109 on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi route. Trains were capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour and were designed to carry approximately 400 passengers, offering an alternative to road travel between major population centers.

The inauguration of the Dubai station followed the commencement of passenger operations between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in June. Plans for further railway expansions were underway, including additional stations in Al Dhafra. Etihad Rail’s partner, Keolis, a French transport operator, collaborated on managing the national railway and operating passenger services, combining expertise in railway management with experience in passenger transport systems.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior Emirati officials, underscoring the significance of this milestone in the UAE’s transportation program.