Etihad Rail brings forward Madinat Zayed and Liwa station opening date to November 30

Etihad Rail has announced that its Madinat Zayed and Liwa passenger stations will open earlier than planned, with the official launch set for November 30. This marks a shift from the originally scheduled December 30 opening, as part of the ongoing expansion of the national rail network. The decision was made following a directive from Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, during a meeting with an Etihad Rail delegation at Al Nakheel Palace in Abu Dhabi. The accelerated timeline aligns with the commencement of the regional events and festival season in Al Dhafra. The two stations, located within the Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi, are among several key points along the expanding rail network. While Madinat Zayed and Liwa will see early access, the remaining three stations in the same region, Al Sila, Al Dhannah, and Mirfa, will remain on their original schedule, opening on December 30. These stations are positioned to serve the vast desert landscape of Al Dhafra, offering connectivity to remote areas and supporting local communities. Etihad Rail’s passenger service officially began on June 30, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s efforts to enhance transportation infrastructure. The inaugural service between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi has already generated substantial public interest, with over 10,000 tickets sold in just one week. The initial route includes ten operational stations, all of which are expected to be fully functional by March 30. Among these, the Madinat Zayed and Liwa stations have been moved up to November 30, while others such as Sharjah’s Al Dhaid station are slated for September 30. The broader rail network continues to expand, with additional stations set to come online in the coming months. In Sharjah, the University City station is scheduled to open in March 2027. The project is being developed in collaboration with Keolis, a renowned international operator of passenger transport services. This partnership underscores the commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable rail services across the UAE. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed commended Etihad Rail for its progress during the recent meeting, highlighting the role of national talent in driving the success of the project. He emphasized how the growing rail network reflects the UAE’s capability to execute large-scale infrastructure initiatives. The initiative is part of a larger vision to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and promote sustainable travel practices. In a statement following the launch of the first passenger service, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, described the event as a “new national achievement.” He noted that connecting people to places has always been central to the UAE’s developmental goals, and the railway system exemplifies this effort by linking major urban centers and reducing travel times. The project is also aligned with the country’s broader ambitions to develop world-class infrastructure that supports economic growth and enhances quality of life. Looking ahead, Etihad Rail aims to achieve a total of 36 million passenger journeys across its network by 2030. This target is expected to contribute significantly to the movement of people between emirates, while also promoting environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of trains over private vehicles. As the rail network expands, it is anticipated that more regions will benefit from improved connectivity, fostering greater economic activity and social integration.