Etihad Rail

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Foreign Trade Maintains Double-Digit Growth in First Nine Months of 2026

The UAE's foreign trade sustained double-digit growth throughout the first nine months of 2026, according to Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade Fahad Al Gergawi. Speaking at the Dubai FinTech Summit, he highlighted that Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements stimulate industrial investments beyond tariff reductions. He also noted continued supply chain expansion via port projects in Fujairah and Khorfakkan and the Etihad Rail network.

Industry News

Etihad Rail sells 120,000 passenger tickets across four UAE destinations in first month

Etihad Rail recorded 120,000 ticket sales across its national passenger rail network during its first 30 days of operations between September 30 and October 30, 2026. The network links Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid, and Fujairah. The initial milestone follows the launch of Dubai Al Yalayis and Al Dhaid stations.

Industry News

Dubai Opens Etihad Rail Pedestrian Bridge Linking to Metro in Five Minutes

A new 375-metre air-conditioned pedestrian walkway connects Dubai's Etihad Rail station to the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station in approximately five minutes. The bridge features moving walkways on both sides, allowing passengers to switch to the Dubai Metro Red Line without using road transit. The connection links Al Yalayis Station directly to Dubai's rail, bus, taxi, and parking networks.

Industry News

UAE Public Transport Expansion Faces Last-Mile Connectivity Challenges to Compete With Cars

The UAE is investing billions of dirhams to expand rail and metro networks, including Etihad Rail passenger operations and over AED 54 billion in planned Dubai metro lines. However, transport and urban planning experts emphasize that overcoming car dependency requires significantly improving station accessibility, feeder routes, and dedicated transit corridors. Incomplete integration and lengthy feeder travel times currently keep private vehicles as the more convenient option for many commuters.