Abu Dhabi will get two new train stations soon. Etihad Rail runs the national train network of the UAE. It will open the new Etihad Rail stations on 30 November 2026. The stations stand in Madinat Zayed and Liwa.
Madinat Zayed and Liwa sit in Al Dhafra. Al Dhafra covers the western part of Abu Dhabi. Bolo Asan explains the new Etihad Rail stations in simple words. The new stations bring trains to this desert region.
The opening date moved forward by one month. The first plan set the opening for 30 December. A July order moved it to 30 November. The change helps festival visitors reach Al Dhafra by train.
Quick Answer: Two new Etihad Rail stations open on 30 November 2026. Three more Etihad Rail stations follow on 30 December 2026. Fares and train times for the new stations are not out yet.
The Two New Stations
Madinat Zayed is the main town of Al Dhafra. It acts as the administrative centre of the region. The new station links this town to the national rail network. Residents will reach Abu Dhabi city by train.
Liwa sits in a famous oasis area. The area holds desert dunes and date farms. The new station gives oasis towns a rail link. Visitors will reach desert trips without a long drive.
Some reports call Madinat Zayed by the name Zayed City. Both names point to the same town. Bolo Asan uses the name Madinat Zayed here.
Note: Madinat Zayed and Liwa open one month early. The early opening matches the start of festival season.
The new Etihad Rail stations help festival visitors most. They give visitors a direct train to Al Dhafra. Visitors can skip long desert drives. The train ride also cuts road traffic.
Bolo Asan covers UAE travel news in simple words. Readers can trust this guide for dates and names. Each fact below comes from public reports.
Why The Date Moved Forward
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan gave the order in July. He serves as the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra. He met an Etihad Rail team in Abu Dhabi. He asked the team to open the stations early.
The early opening lines up with festival season. Al Dhafra holds big events in winter. Visitors will ride a train to these events. The train gives them a simple alternative to cars.
Gulf News carried the July announcement in full. The announcement came from the official news agency. Bolo Asan notes the July order here.
Tip: Check the Etihad Rail site before you travel. The site posts train times and fares first.
The Full Opening Plan
New Etihad Rail stations open in clear phases. The plan adds six new stations in total. Four stations already carry passengers today. The table below shows each opening date.
| Station | Area | Opening date |
|---|---|---|
| Madinat Zayed | Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi | 30 November 2026 |
| Liwa | Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi | 30 November 2026 |
| Al Mirfa | Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi | 30 December 2026 |
| Al Dhannah | Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi | 30 December 2026 |
| Al Sila | Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi | 30 December 2026 |
| University City | Sharjah | 30 March 2027 |
The three December stations join the network together. Al Mirfa, Al Dhannah and Al Sila open on 30 December. Sharjah gets University City station in March 2027. The first phase ends with ten Etihad Rail stations in total.
Bolo Asan lists all six dates in the table above. Readers can plan trips around these dates. Check official news close to each date.
What Runs Today
Four stations already carry passengers today. Trains started between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on 30 June 2026. Dubai and Al Dhaid joined the network on 30 September 2026. The network now links four cities by train.
Etihad Rail sold 120,000 tickets in one month. The month ran from 30 September to 30 October. The count covers tickets sold, not people. Strong demand shows that residents like train travel.
Good to Know: Tickets sell on the Etihad Rail site and app. Stations also sell tickets at machines and desks.
The new Etihad Rail stations will join this live network. They extend the same trains to western Abu Dhabi. Bolo Asan notes this growth for UAE residents.
How The New Stations Help You
The new Etihad Rail stations cut long desert drives. Visitors will ride a train to Al Dhafra events. Families can plan day trips with less stress. The new Etihad Rail stations also help western workers.
Al Sila sits near the Saudi border. Its station helps border area residents most. Al Dhannah and Al Mirfa serve coastal towns. Each new stop brings the rail network closer.
Example: A family in Abu Dhabi will ride to Liwa. They will enjoy desert dunes without a long drive.
Bolo Asan readers in Abu Dhabi gain the most. They get a direct rail link to the west. The link saves time and fuel money.
Plan Your Trip
Use these simple steps for a smooth trip. Bolo Asan keeps each step short and clear.
- Check train times on the official site.
- Book early when booking opens.
- Reach the station early on event days.
- Keep your ticket ready for checks.
What Is Not Out Yet
Fares for the new Etihad Rail stations are not out yet. Train times for the new stations are not out yet. Etihad Rail will post both before the opening. Check the official site close to the opening date.
Important: Do not trust fare posts from random pages. Only the Etihad Rail site posts real fares.
Bolo Asan will update this guide when fares come out. Readers can check back in late November. The guide will stay simple and clear.
A full station list appears in the Gulf News stations guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the new Etihad Rail stations open?
Two new Etihad Rail stations open on 30 November 2026. Al Mirfa, Al Dhannah and Al Sila open on 30 December 2026.
Where are the new Etihad Rail stations?
Five new Etihad Rail stations sit in Al Dhafra. Al Dhafra covers the western part of Abu Dhabi. A sixth station, University City, sits in Sharjah. Madinat Zayed is the main town of the region.
Why did the opening date move forward?
The July order moved two Etihad Rail stations one month early. The change lines up with Al Dhafra festival season. Visitors get train access for winter events.
Can I book tickets for the new stations now?
No, fares and train times are not out yet. Etihad Rail will post them before the opening. Check the Etihad Rail site close to the date.
Which Etihad Rail stations run today?
Four stations run today in total. They link Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah. Trains started on 30 June and 30 September 2026.
How many stations will the first phase have?
The first phase will have ten Etihad Rail stations. Four stations run today already. Six new stations open by March 2027.
Disclaimer: Dates can change if plans change. Bolo Asan checks official news for updates. Check the Etihad Rail site before you travel.
Last Updated: 2 November 2026
Ayesha writes practical guides about living in the UAE, including housing, schools, healthcare and everyday services. She turns complex topics into simple steps.