Nearly a month after the launch of the introductory phase connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, the future of the railway network looks promising. Residents of the UAE are noting the convenience and comfort of the trains, with tickets being in high demand, especially on weekends.
The next major milestone in the Etihad Rail schedule is planned for September 30, 2026. On this day, passenger services will expand with the opening of two new stations: the Dubai station, located near Jumeirah Golf Estates, and the Al Dhaid station in Sharjah. This expansion will significantly improve connectivity between the main population centers of the UAE.
The opening of the remaining stations will occur in phases at the end of 2026 and the beginning of 2027. On November 30, 2026, the Madinat Zayed and Liwa stations in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi are expected to open ahead of schedule. Subsequently, on December 30, 2026, the network will expand westward with the opening of Al Sila, Al Dannah, and Al Mirfa stations, all located in the Al Dhafra region.
According to the current schedule, the Sharjah University City station will open on March 30, 2027, completing the first phase of the passenger network.
On the initial Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route, passengers are offered a 50% discount as part of the launch. In each category, passengers can choose one of three fares. The Saver fare offers the lowest cost and suits those with fixed plans. The Value ticket includes seat selection and allows for some changes, while the Flex fare permits modifications and includes refunds. Tickets for children and seniors are also available at reduced rates. Prices for the remaining routes and future destinations have not yet been announced and will be disclosed closer to their launch dates.
While the entire network offers a unique view of the diverse landscape of the UAE, the route to Fujairah is already recognized as an outstanding experience. The journey takes passengers from the urban environment of Abu Dhabi through golden sand dunes and concludes with a breathtaking passage through the Hajar Mountains upon approaching the eastern coast.
The network's first Emirati captain, Ibrahim Al Hammadi, noted that few trains in the world offer views like those provided by Etihad Rail. He emphasized: 'In one trip you travel from the open desert, where dunes run alongside the track, to the drama of the Hajar Mountains, where the track passes through specially built tunnels, and then emerges to the beautiful eastern coast of Fujairah, where the Persian Gulf opens before you. Desert, mountains, and sea in one trip.'
Etihad Rail is designed as a fully integrated part of the UAE's public transport system to ensure a seamless 'last mile' experience for passengers. Each station will be connected to feeder buses, taxis, and local public transport routes.
At the Mohammed bin Zayed station in Abu Dhabi, shuttle buses operate to three key locations in the capital: the Adnoc headquarters on Corniche Road, the Adnec center on Al Khaleej Al Arabi St, and Reem Mall on Reem Island. Two new bus routes, MR1 and MR2, were launched on Friday, connecting the Mohammed bin Zayed city station with the Al Zahya main and bus stations in both directions.
In Dubai, the Etihad Rail station will be directly connected to the metro, bus lines, and taxis. Etihad Rail and RTA have entered into a partnership allowing passengers to use their existing nol cards for free payments across the entire rail and public transport system.
When the network is fully operational, the Etihad Rail passenger network will comprise a 900 km line, connecting 11 cities and regions across seven emirates. The network will stretch from Al Sila in the west, near the Saudi Arabian border, to Fujairah on the eastern coast. The list of all passenger stations includes: Al Sila, Al Dannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira, Mohammed Bin Zayed City Station, Al Faya, Dubai, University City, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, and Fujairah.
The long-awaited Etihad Park stadium, which will serve as the home arena for the New York City FC football club, is officially set to open on July 17, 2027. On this day, the team will hold its first home match at the specially constructed venue in Queens.
This match will mark a new chapter for the MLS club, which previously played at various stadiums before securing a permanent base. The stadium has a capacity of 25,000 spectators and is located in the Willlets Point area, near Citi Field and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
The venue was named after Etihad Airways, which secured the naming rights through a long-term partnership with New York City FC. This expands the global sports presence of the Abu Dhabi-based airline.
The connection between Etihad Airways and New York City FC began back in 2013, when the airline became one of the Founders and Principal Partners of the team. The airline's branding was featured on the club's first kits, representing one of the early investments in world football.
The collaboration with Etihad Airways strengthens the airline's international image and highlights the growing role of Abu Dhabi in global sports, particularly in one of the world's largest tourism and media markets.
This move continues Etihad Airways' long-term investments in football, including the landmark naming rights partnership with Etihad Stadium Manchester City—one of England's largest football arenas, capable of holding over 55,000 fans.
In addition to MLS matches, Etihad Park is expected to host international football events, concerts, community events, and other entertainment activities throughout the year, positioning it as a major new hub for sports and events in New York.
