Imagine hopping on a sleek train in Abu Dhabi and stepping off on Fujairah’s east coast in well under two hours, with the desert rolling past your window the whole way. That is the promise of Etihad Rail, the UAE’s national passenger network, and it is finally carrying travellers.
Once fully open, the line will connect 11 stations across four emirates, stretching from the Saudi border in the west to the Gulf of Oman in the east.
Each stop is a doorway to something different, whether that is a theme park, a heritage fort, a quiet beach, or the towering dunes of the Empty Quarter. To help you turn a train ticket into a proper day out, this guide walks you through what is worth seeing near every station.
So let’s get rolling.
Etihad Rail at a Glance
Before you plan a trip, it helps to know what this network actually is. Etihad Rail is the UAE’s national railway, and its passenger service runs along roughly 900 kilometres of track linking 11 cities and regions.
The trains themselves are built for comfort at speed, travelling at up to 200 kilometres per hour. The fleet is made up of 13 trains, each carrying up to 400 passengers, with onboard WiFi, infotainment, charging points, and food and drink service to keep the journey easy.
One important thing to understand is what Etihad Rail is not. This is an intercity train, not a city metro, so most stations sit on the edge of town rather than in the middle of it. That means nearly every attraction below needs a short onward taxi, bus, or tour transfer, which is well worth arranging in advance.
Which Stations Are Open Right Now
Here is the most important thing to check before booking, because the network is opening in stages rather than all at once. Getting this right will save you a wasted journey.
Open now:
- Mohammed bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi
- Al Hilal, Fujairah
The Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route launched on 30 June 2026 as an introductory phase, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Opening later:
- Dubai (Jumeirah Golf Estates) and Al Dhaid, from 30 September 2026
- The Al Dhafra stations, from 30 December 2026
- Sharjah (University City), from 30 March 2027
Since these dates can shift, it is always worth checking the Etihad Rail app or website before you plan around a station that has not opened yet.
Tier One: The Gateway Cities
These two stations anchor the whole line and put the UAE’s headline attractions within easy reach.
Mohammed bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi
This is the capital’s main passenger stop and the most centrally located station in Abu Dhabi, giving you direct access to the city centre. It is open now, and it is the launch point for the Fujairah route.
From here, the capital’s biggest draws are a taxi or city bus ride away. You can visit the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the country’s most visited landmark, or head to Yas Island for its cluster of theme parks, including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
Over on Saadiyat Island, you will find the Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena, and a lovely public beach, while Qasr Al Watan and the Corniche offer a presidential palace tour and a breezy waterfront stroll. Yas and Saadiyat are roughly 25 to 40 minutes by road.
Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai
Opening on 30 September 2026, the Dubai stop sits in a gated community in the south of the city, right along Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. What makes it special is its closeness to the Dubai Metro, which links you into the city’s own rail system, and the RTA is adding feeder buses and taxis for that last stretch.
Close by, you can reach Global Village and IMG Worlds of Adventure with a short ride, along with the seasonal Dubai Miracle Garden and Butterfly Garden in Dubailand.
Expo City Dubai and Al Maktoum International Airport are also nearby.
Once you are on the Metro, the rest of the city opens up, from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall downtown to Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates and the beaches and dining of Dubai Marina and JBR.
Tier Two: Culture, Coast, and Heritage
These stops are less obvious than the big cities, but each one unlocks a genuinely rewarding half-day or full-day trip.
Al Hilal, Fujairah
The easternmost stop on the line, this station is open now and serves Fujairah City and the nearby Qidfa area. It is the only rail access to the East Coast, which makes it a natural base for beach and mountain tours.
Nearby, you can visit Al Bidyah Mosque, the oldest in the UAE, and explore the emirate’s heritage core at Fujairah Fort and Fujairah Museum.
The striking Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah is the second largest in the country, while Snoopy Island and the Al Aqah beaches offer excellent snorkelling and diving on the Gulf of Oman.
For something different, the Friday Market and the wadi drives through the Hajar Mountains are well worth the detour.
University City, Sharjah
Due to open on 30 March 2027, this station sits in Sharjah’s education district, about 10 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and close to the city centre.
A short taxi brings you into the cultural district, home to the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and the Sharjah Art Museum. You can wander the restored lanes of Heart of Sharjah, step inside the welcoming Al Noor Mosque, or enjoy canal-side dining and family stops at Al Qasba and Sharjah Aquarium.
Art lovers should not miss the Rain Room, a permanent immersive installation where you walk through falling water without getting wet.
Al Dhaid, Sharjah
Opening on 30 September 2026, Al Dhaid is an oasis town in Sharjah’s Central Region and the springboard to the desert interior.
The star attraction is the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, a site on UNESCO’s tentative list, surrounded by Fossil Rock, dune drives, and superb stargazing.
Nearby, Sharjah Safari at Al Bridi is billed as the largest wildlife park of its kind outside Africa.
Closer to town, the Al Dhaid oasis and farms are known for date plantations and busy produce markets. Since these sites are spread across the desert, a booked tour is the easiest way to see them.
Al Mirfa, Abu Dhabi
Part of the Al Dhafra group opening from 30 December 2026, Al Mirfa is a picturesque coastal town about 130 kilometres west of the capital, with calm beaches and a thriving fishing culture.
Mirfa Beach is the main draw, with shallow, gentle water and a laid-back corniche. The town is also a well-known kitesurfing and watersports spot and has hosted the Al Gharbia Watersports Festival.
Beyond the beach, the mangroves and desert-meets-sea drives make a peaceful alternative to the busier city coastlines.
Tier Three: Desert, Islands, and the Empty Quarter
These remote Al Dhafra stations are all scheduled to open from 30 December 2026. There is little to walk to at the platform itself, but they are the doorway to the UAE’s most dramatic landscapes, so plan them as tour-led trips rather than wander-out stops.
Al Dhannah, Abu Dhabi
Around 240 kilometres west of Abu Dhabi city, Al Dhannah is one of the emirate’s largest cities and sits near the industrial hub of Ruwais. More importantly for travellers, it is close to the jetty for the country’s best island escape.
From the Jebel Dhanna jetty, you can cross to Sir Bani Yas Island, home to the Arabian Wildlife Park with its safari drives and the Anantara resorts. The Jebel Dhanna and Dhafra beaches nearby offer resort coastline and calm swimming, making this an ideal pre-booked island day or overnight stay.
Mezairaa, Abu Dhabi
Set in the Liwa Oasis on the rim of the Rub’ al Khali, better known as the Empty Quarter, this is the marquee desert stop on the whole line.
Here you will find Moreeb Dune, also called Tal Mireb, one of the world’s tallest driveable dunes at around 300 metres. The famous Qasr Al Sarab resort is the spot for a desert dinner, a dune adventure, or an unforgettable stay.
You can also book Empty Quarter safaris and stargazing, with dune bashing, camel treks, and overnight camps, or visit Liwa Fort and time your trip with the summer Liwa Date Festival. A 4×4 tour or resort transfer is essential out here.
Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi
About 180 kilometres southwest of the capital, Madinat Zayed is the administrative heart of Al Dhafra and one of the largest towns in the country, serving as the gateway to Liwa.
Its best-known event is the Al Dhafra Festival, famous for its camel beauty pageant and heritage souq, though it is very much season-dependent.
The rest of the year, the date farms and local heritage walks offer a glimpse of authentic, non-touristy Al Dhafra life. Many travellers use it as a staging point before heading deeper into the desert.
Al Faya, Abu Dhabi
Sitting between Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain, Al Faya is home to AD Ports Group’s Al Faya Dry Port, which makes it lighter on tourism than the other stops.
There are no walk-out attractions at the station itself, but with an onward car, you are pointed toward Al Ain, the Garden City, where Jebel Hafeet, the UNESCO-listed Al Ain Oasis, and Al Jahili Fort await.
The surrounding open desert and dune landscapes are scenic, but this is best treated as a transit point.
Al Sila, Abu Dhabi
The westernmost station on the map, Al Sila, sits near the Ghuweifat border crossing with Saudi Arabia and holds long-term strategic importance for the future GCC Railway.
What you will find here is quiet coastal and mangrove scenery, with peaceful Gulf shoreline and sabkha flats.
In all honesty, this is more of a gateway than a destination, with minimal tourist infrastructure, so treat it as a frontier connection rather than a day-trip base.
Tickets and Booking
With the network rolling out in phases, it helps to know how booking works before you travel.
Tickets are sold through the Etihad Rail mobile app and the official website, with the company taking a digital-first approach.
There are two travel classes to choose from, Comfort and Premium, and the introductory phase launched with a promotional discount on the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route.
At launch, three direct services ran in each direction daily, so it is worth checking the timetable and booking early on popular travel days.
Once your seat is sorted, the next step is arranging what you will actually do at the other end. Since almost every station needs onward transport, pairing your journey with a pre-booked tour or attraction makes the whole trip far smoother.
Thrillark comes in handy for lining up those experiences alongside your Etihad Rail tickets, so you step off the train with your day already planned.
Tips for Turning a Train Ride into a Day Out
Once the practical bits are handled, a little planning turns a simple journey into a proper adventure. Here is what is worth knowing:
Plan your onward transport:
- Only the Dubai station has a nearby metro link
- Everywhere else needs a taxi, bus, or tour transfer
- Book transfers ahead for the remote Al Dhafra stops
Match the station to the trip:
- Abu Dhabi and Dubai suit theme parks and city sightseeing
- Fujairah, Sharjah, and Al Mirfa suit culture, coast, and heritage days
- Liwa and Sir Bani Yas suit premium desert and island experiences
- Al Faya and Al Sila are transit stops, not destinations
Travel smart:
- Check which stations are open before you book
- Reserve seats early on weekends and holidays
- Allow extra time for the last-mile journey at either end
- Bring sun protection and water for desert and coastal stops
Ready to Ride?
At the end of the day, Etihad Rail has done something the UAE has never had before, stitching together theme parks, mosques, mountains, beaches, and the great dunes of the Empty Quarter along a single line. Whether you fancy a fast city break, a heritage day on the east coast, or a night under the stars in Liwa, your next adventure is just a train ride away.
So do not just watch the desert go by, go and explore it. Book your experiences on Thrillark, plan your stops, and let the train do the hard work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Etihad Rail, and where does it go?
Etihad Rail is the UAE’s national railway network, and its passenger service runs along roughly 900 kilometres of track. Once fully open, it will link 11 cities and regions across four emirates, from Al Sila near the Saudi border to Fujairah on the east coast. It is designed as an intercity service connecting major hubs, not as a city metro.
Which Etihad Rail stations are open right now?
The Mohammed bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi and the Al Hilal station in Fujairah opened on 30 June 2026 as part of an introductory phase. The Dubai and Al Dhaid stations are due to follow on 30 September 2026, with the Al Dhafra stations from 30 December 2026. The Sharjah station at University City is scheduled to complete the route on 30 March 2027.
How long does the Etihad Rail journey from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah take?
The Abu Dhabi to Fujairah journey on Etihad Rail takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. That is a significant time saving compared with driving the same route by road. The trains run at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour.
How do I book Etihad Rail tickets?
Etihad Rail tickets are booked through the official Etihad Rail mobile app and website, using a digital-first system. You can choose between Comfort and Premium travel classes when booking. It is worth reserving early for weekends, holidays, and other busy travel days.
Which Etihad Rail station is best for Dubai attractions?
The Jumeirah Golf Estates station is the Dubai stop on the Etihad Rail network, opening on 30 September 2026. It sits close to the Dubai Metro, which connects you onward to Downtown, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Marina. Global Village, IMG Worlds of Adventure, and Expo City Dubai are also a short ride away.
What can I see near the Fujairah Etihad Rail station?
The Al Hilal station serves Fujairah city and the nearby Qidfa area, opening up the UAE’s east coast. Highlights include Al Bidyah Mosque, the oldest in the country, along with Fujairah Fort, Fujairah Museum, and the vast Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The beaches at Al Aqah and Snoopy Island are also popular for snorkelling and diving.
Which Etihad Rail station is closest to the Empty Quarter?
The Mezairaa station in the Liwa Oasis is the closest stop to the Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter. From there, you can reach Moreeb Dune, one of the world’s tallest driveable dunes, and the well-known Qasr Al Sarab desert resort. A 4×4 tour or resort transfer is essential, as the sights are spread far across the desert.
Can I visit Sir Bani Yas Island using Etihad Rail?
Yes, the Al Dhannah station is the closest stop for reaching Sir Bani Yas Island. From there, you travel on to the Jebel Dhanna jetty, where boats cross to the island and its Arabian Wildlife Park. It works best as a pre-booked day trip or overnight stay since the transfer needs arranging in advance.
Is Etihad Rail connected to the Dubai Metro?
The Dubai station at Jumeirah Golf Estates is the only stop with a nearby Dubai Metro link, making it the best-connected station on the line. Dubai’s RTA is also adding feeder buses and taxis to help with last-mile travel. Every other station on the network requires a taxi, bus, or tour transfer to reach nearby attractions.
Do I need to arrange transport from Etihad Rail stations?
Yes, in most cases you will need onward transport, since Etihad Rail is an intercity service with stations often on the edge of town. Only the Dubai stop offers a nearby metro connection, so taxis, buses, or pre-booked tours are the norm elsewhere. For remote desert stations, arranging a transfer or guided tour ahead of time is strongly recommended.
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