In a move to better serve residents and tourists, the operational timeline for the Etihad Rail passenger stations in Liwa and Zayed City has been accelerated by one month. The launch date is now officially set for November 30, 2026. This decision came following a meeting between Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, and representatives from Etihad Rail. By aligning the opening with the start of the region’s peak festival season, authorities aim to simplify travel for the many visitors who flock to Al Dhafra for annual cultural celebrations and local events.

This adjustment is part of a broader, phased rollout for the UAE’s highly anticipated national railway network. While the Liwa and Zayed City hubs will begin welcoming passengers in late November 2026, other key locations are scheduled to go live throughout that year and into 2027. Service is expected to begin in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30, 2026, followed by Dubai and Al Dhaid on September 30. The expansion will continue with additional Al Dhafra stops opening on December 20, 2026, before the Sharjah station concludes the current phase of the rollout on March 30, 2027.