The operating date has been brought forward to 30 November 2026
Visitors heading to Al Dhafra for this year’s packed events calendar will have an exciting new way to travel, after the operating date for the Liwa and Zayed City Etihad Rail passenger stations was officially brought forward.
Under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, the two stations will now begin operating on 30 November 2026, ensuring they are ready in time for the start of the region’s busy festivals and tourism season.
The earlier opening is expected to make it easier than ever for residents and visitors to travel to Al Dhafra’s most popular winter attractions.
The announcement also marks another major milestone for the UAE’s highly anticipated passenger rail network.
Earlier this summer, Etihad Rail officially launched its first passenger service, connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah and marking the beginning of a new era for rail travel in the UAE.
The milestone gave passengers their first opportunity to experience the country’s long-awaited intercity rail network, with modern stations designed to reflect the identity and heritage of each emirate while offering seamless transport connections.
On 30 September 2026, the network will expand further with the opening of Dubai and Al Dhaid stations.
As more routes and destinations come online, Etihad Rail is set to transform travel across the UAE, making it quicker and more convenient to move between key cities and regions while reducing journey times and providing an attractive alternative to driving.
The addition of the Liwa and Zayed City stations further strengthens the network’s reach, extending rail access into the heart of Al Dhafra and opening up one of Abu Dhabi’s most spectacular regions to visitors arriving by train.
The decision to accelerate the opening reflects the growing importance of Al Dhafra’s annual events programme, with thousands of visitors travelling to the region each winter for festivals celebrating Emirati culture.
