Dubai's Al Yalayis Station to Open September 30, Cutting Trip to Abu Dhabi to 57 Minutes
Dubai is set to join the UAE's national passenger rail network on September 30, when Etihad Rail's Dubai Al Yalayis Station opens alongside Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah. The launch follows the introduction of passenger rail services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30, and will cut the journey between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to around 57 minutes. Dubai Al Yalayis Station is located near Jumeirah Golf Estates in southern Dubai, along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), one of the emirate's major north-south highways.
The station sits within reach of a wide stretch of southern Dubai, including Al Furjan, Dubai Investment Park, Green Community, Dubai Production City, Expo City Dubai and Dubai South, and is roughly 30 minutes by road from Al Maktoum International Airport. A dedicated footbridge is being built to connect the station directly with Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Red Line, allowing passengers to move between the national rail network and Dubai's Metro system. The area's transport options are set to expand further with the Dh34 billion, 42-kilometre Dubai Metro Gold Line, which will also serve Jumeirah Golf Estates when it is completed in 2032.
More Than 70,000 Tickets Sold as Rail Network Expands Further
Etihad Rail said it has sold more than 70,000 tickets since passenger services began between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, with customers increasingly booking nearly two weeks in advance. "People aren't simply trying the train out of curiosity. They're planning around it," said Azza Al Suwaidi, Chief Operating Officer of Etihad Rail. "When customers are booking nearly two weeks ahead, it tells us passenger rail is already becoming part of how people organise their journeys."
Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial at Etihad Rail Mobility, said the pre-operational phase had drawn a diverse range of passengers, including families, business travellers, schools, leisure travellers and People of Determination. Beyond the September 30 openings, Etihad Rail said further stations will open at Liwa and Madinat Zayed on November 30, Al Dhafra on December 30, and Sharjah on March 30, 2027, as the network continues to connect cities and key areas across the UAE.
