Etihad Rail Dubai Station Set to Open September 30, Linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 57 Minutes via Al Yalayis Hub in Jumeirah Golf Estates

Etihad Rail's Dubai station, officially named Al Yalayis Station, is scheduled to open on September 30, 2026, marking the next major phase of the UAE's national passenger rail network. The station, located in Jumeirah Golf Estates near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, will open alongside Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah and is expected to connect Abu Dhabi's Mohamed bin Zayed City station with Dubai in approximately 57 minutes, according to Gulf News, Khaleej Times, Emirates 24|7, and What's On. The station will eventually connect with Dubai Metro's Red Line and the planned Gold Line, creating one of the country's largest integrated transport hubs. Etihad Rail has sold more than 70,000 tickets since launching passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30, with customers booking nearly two weeks in advance, signaling that rail is embedding itself into how residents organize travel, according to Chief Operating Officer Azza Al Suwaidi. The phased rollout continues with Liwa and Madinat Zayed stations opening November 30, the remaining Al Dhafra station on December 30, and Sharjah on March 30, 2027. The 900-kilometre network is eventually expected to connect 11 cities and areas across the UAE, offering residents an alternative to road travel and supporting the country's economic diversification and sustainability objectives. The expansion represents a significant infrastructure milestone as the UAE positions itself as a regional leader in high-speed and sustainable public transport.