Etihad Rail sells 120,000 passenger tickets in first month of full network

Etihad Rail sold 120,000 tickets in the first 30 days after the official launch of its national passenger network, from 30 September to 30 October 2026. The network connects Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah.

The official launch on 30 September added Dubai Al Yalayis Station and Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah. The Abu Dhabi and Fujairah stations had already opened on 30 June, during the introductory phase.

Adhraa Almansoori, the Commercial and Support executive director at Etihad Rail Mobility, said the company wants passenger rail to become "a natural part of everyday life". She said the first-month response reflected passengers' confidence in the service.

Etihad Rail works with transport partners and service providers on connections to the stations:

• Dubai: a pedestrian bridge runs from Dubai Al Yalayis Station to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, which gives access to the Red Line.
• Abu Dhabi: direct shuttle buses link Mohamed bin Zayed City Station with several destinations, among them the ADNOC headquarters, the ADNEC exhibition centre, Reem Mall and hotels and attractions on Yas Island.
• Al Dhaid and Fujairah: onward travel is available through service providers.

More stations are expected to open over the coming months in Liwa, Madinat Zayed and across the Al Dhafra Region. The last station of the first phase, in Sharjah near University City, is due to start service in early 2027.

For people in Dubai, the Al Yalayis bridge means the rail station can be reached from the Metro Red Line. Those choosing where to live near the Metro can look at rental homes in Dubai.

Gulf News reported the figures, and Khaleej Times carried the same details.