Dubai Al Yalayis Etihad Rail Station Takes Shape Ahead of September 30 Opening
Dubai Al Yalayis Etihad Rail Station is nearing completion ahead of its scheduled opening on September 30, with construction continuing on the station surroundings and a pedestrian link connecting it to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station.
During a recent visit to the site, workers, cranes and heavy machinery were active around the station as teams carried out landscaping, paving, access works and other finishing activities.
The station's exterior appears largely complete, with its main facade, glass entrance, outer panels and Etihad Rail branding already installed. The name Dubai Al Yalayis Station is also displayed in Arabic and English.
However, the station remains closed to the public, with construction barriers, temporary signs, cones and fencing still surrounding the entrance and nearby roads.
Pedestrian link takes shape
One of the most visible developments is the steel-framed pedestrian link being built between Dubai Al Yalayis Station and the underground Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Dubai Metro Red Line.
The structure has extended across much of the route between the two stations, although work remains on sections of the roof, external covering, supports and other components. Workers were seen welding, lifting materials and installing structural sections, while cranes and other equipment supported construction activities.
A map-based measurement of the visible route indicates that the pedestrian connection extends for more than 300 metres. The figure is an estimate and is not an official project measurement.
Once completed, the link will allow passengers to transfer between Etihad Rail and Dubai Metro without crossing surrounding roads or relying on taxis and other vehicles.
The Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station remained open during the site visit.
Station prepares for September opening
Dubai Al Yalayis Station is scheduled to open on September 30, 2026, alongside Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah.
The station will become part of Etihad Rail's passenger network, which is planned to connect cities and regions across the UAE's seven emirates.
The wider passenger network is expected to span around 900 kilometres and serve 11 cities and regions. The route will extend from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah on the UAE's east coast, giving passengers another option for inter-emirate travel.
Connecting rail with Dubai's transport network
The Al Yalayis station is expected to provide connections with Dubai Metro, buses and taxis, strengthening integration between Etihad Rail and the emirate's existing public transport system.
Etihad Rail and Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority have also partnered to enable passengers to use Nol cards across the rail and public transport network.
For now, the station remains behind construction barriers. However, its nearly completed exterior and the rapidly developing pedestrian connection provide an early indication of how the facility will link Etihad Rail with Dubai's wider public transport network once it opens.
