UAE Expands Etihad Rail Network with Two New Al Dhafra Stations on 30 November

The UAE will expand its passenger rail network with two new stations in the Al Dhafra region on 30 November 2026. The new stations will serve Madinat Zayed and Liwa, giving residents and visitors more travel options across the country.

Etihad Rail confirmed the expansion as part of its phased plan to connect more cities and regions through passenger trains.

The new stations will also support travel to Al Dhafra during its winter events and festival season.

Two new stations will open on 30 November

The two stations will serve different parts of Al Dhafra in Abu Dhabi.

Madinat Zayed station will connect the town with the wider passenger rail network. Meanwhile, Liwa station will improve access to the Liwa Oasis and nearby destinations.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra, directed the earlier opening date after meeting an Etihad Rail delegation in July.

The original plan scheduled the stations to open in December. However, the authorities brought the date forward to 30 November to support the region’s events and festival season.

Etihad Rail adds more passenger connections

Etihad Rail launched its passenger services in June 2026. Since then, the company has expanded its network in stages.

The network now connects major destinations through stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah and Sharjah.

In addition, Etihad Rail plans to open more stations in the coming months.

The remaining Al Dhafra stations, including Al Mirfa, Al Dhannah and Al Sila, are scheduled to open on 30 December 2026.

The company also plans to open its University City station in Sharjah on 30 March 2027.

New rail links could support local tourism

The new stations could make travel to Al Dhafra easier for residents and tourists.

The region attracts visitors through its desert landscapes, heritage sites, cultural events and festivals. In particular, Liwa has a strong connection with desert tourism and traditional Emirati culture.

With more rail connections, visitors will have another option for reaching these destinations.

Furthermore, improved transport links could support local businesses, hotels, restaurants and tourism operators.

However, the actual impact will depend on train schedules, ticket prices and passenger demand after the stations open.

UAE continues to develop its national rail network

The UAE sees passenger rail as an important part of its transport plans.

Etihad Rail aims to connect cities, improve travel choices and support economic activity across the country.

The company is expanding its services in phases. This approach allows it to prepare new stations and routes before adding them to the passenger network.

The opening of Madinat Zayed and Liwa stations will mark another step in that expansion.

For residents and visitors, the next important details will include confirmed train schedules, ticket availability and travel connections from the new stations.