Etihad Rail Network: Connecting All UAE Cities and Towns

Where Etihad Rail passenger stations will be located and what each stop connects to

Dubai: Etihad Rail is set to transform travel across the UAE, connecting major cities, regional hubs, and even more remote towns through a nationwide passenger rail network. The stations have been strategically placed to enhance access to airports, city centres, industrial zones, and educational hubs.

On January 8, Etihad Rail announced seven additional passenger stations, adding to four previously revealed locations, highlighting the scale of the project.

The 900 km network, linking 11 cities and key hubs across the country, is scheduled to begin initial operations this year.

Etihad Rail’s first passenger routes
The UAE’s first passenger rail routes will connect Abu Dhabi with Dubai and extend to Fujairah, according to Etihad Rail’s announcement on Instagram on February 2.

The initial routes will link:

• Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed bin Zayed City
• Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf Estates station
• Fujairah’s Al Hilal City station

These routes aim to provide faster, more convenient travel options while supporting the country’s broader transport and economic development plans.

Etihad Rail Passenger Stations Across the UAE

1. Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi
   The most centrally located Etihad Rail station in Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Bin Zayed City serves as a key gateway to the capital’s city centre. It is approximately 30 minutes from Zayed International Airport, providing convenient access for air travellers. Nearby residential and industrial areas include Mussafah, Zayed City, Shakhbout City, and Bani Yas, connecting commuters across the emirate.
2. Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai
   Dubai’s sole Etihad Rail station will be located in Jumeirah Golf Estates, a luxury community in the southern part of the city. Positioned along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, it offers easy road access and close connectivity to the Dubai Metro. Nearby communities include Green Community, Al Furjan, Dubai Investment Park, Dubai Production City, and Expo City Dubai. The station is also roughly 30 minutes from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
3. University City, Sharjah
   Sharjah’s station in University City will serve students, staff, and visitors to major educational institutions such as the American University of Sharjah. The station is about 10 minutes from Sharjah International Airport, improving links between air and rail travel.
4. Al Hilal, Fujairah
   Al Hilal marks the easternmost passenger station on the network. It connects directly to Fujairah city and Qidfa, improving accessibility to the UAE’s east coast.
5. Al Sila, Abu Dhabi
   Al Sila, the westernmost station on the Etihad Rail map, lies in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region near the Saudi border. The nearby town of Ghuweifat will benefit from improved regional connectivity, especially once the GCC Railway Project becomes operational.
6. Al Dhannah, Abu Dhabi
   Also known as Ruwais, Al Dhannah is around 240 km from Abu Dhabi city and is a major industrial hub, particularly for the oil and gas sector, with operations linked to ADNOC and Capstone Real Estate.
7. Al Mirfa, Abu Dhabi
   A coastal town in Al Dhafra, Al Mirfa will gain enhanced connectivity to the rest of the UAE, supporting both local residents and economic activity.
8. Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi
   Madinat Zayed is a key administrative and industrial centre in Al Dhafra, located 180 km southwest of Abu Dhabi city. It supports nearby oil fields and regional industries and is connected via the E45 and E11 highways. The town also hosts the annual Al Dhafra Festival, featuring camel competitions.
9. Mezairaa, Abu Dhabi
   Situated in the Liwa Oasis near the edge of the Rub’ al Khali desert, Mezairaa is a historic village known for traditional mud-brick forts like Mezair’ah Fort, as well as its desert landscapes and palm groves.
10. Al Faya
    Located between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, Al Faya serves as a strategic transit point connecting major population centres, with road links towards Dubai.
11. Al Dhaid, Sharjah
    Al Dhaid is an oasis town around 60 km east of Sharjah city, situated at the foothills of the Hajar Mountains. Known for agriculture and traditional settlements, the station will enhance connectivity between Sharjah’s interior and the rest of the UAE.