Dubai Al Yalayis Etihad Rail station takes shape ahead of September 30 opening

Construction work is progressing at Dubai Al Yalayis Etihad Rail Station as the new passenger facility moves closer to its scheduled opening on September 30, 2026.

Workers, cranes and heavy machinery are active around the site, with landscaping, paving, access areas and the station entrance continuing to take shape. A major steel-framed pedestrian link connecting the new station with Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station is also nearing completion.

During a recent site visit, the exterior of the Etihad Rail station appeared largely complete, with its main facade, glass entrance, outer panels and Etihad Rail branding already in place. The station name was also visible in both Arabic and English.

The facility remains closed to the public, with construction barriers, fencing, cones and temporary signs surrounding the entrance and nearby roads.

Construction continues around the station

Work is continuing across several sections of the site, including landscaping and ground preparation.

New trees and large planters have been installed outside the building, while workers are completing sections of pavement and access areas. Construction activity was also visible from Yalayis Street and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

The progress marks a significant change from an earlier stage of construction, when the station was still being built and the pedestrian connection to the Metro was not yet visible.

Pedestrian link connects Etihad Rail with Dubai Metro

One of the most prominent features taking shape is the long steel-framed pedestrian link between Al Yalayis Station and the underground Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Dubai Metro Red Line.

Workers have been welding and installing sections of the structure, while roofing, external covering and support works are also continuing.

A map-based measurement of the visible route indicates that the pedestrian connection extends for more than 300 metres. This is an estimate based on Google Earth and is not an official project measurement.

Once completed, the link will allow passengers to move between Etihad Rail and Dubai Metro without crossing surrounding roads. It will also eliminate the need for passengers to use taxis or other vehicles to travel between the two stations.

The Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro station remains operational and accessible to passengers.

Station scheduled to open on September 30

Dubai Al Yalayis Station is scheduled to open on September 30, 2026, alongside Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah.

The station will form part of Etihad Rail's passenger network, which is expected to connect cities and regions across all seven emirates.

The wider passenger network is planned to cover approximately 900 kilometres and connect 11 cities and regions. The route will extend from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah on the east coast, providing residents with another option for travelling between the emirates.

Connection with Dubai's wider transport network

The Al Yalayis station is being integrated with Dubai's existing public transport infrastructure, including the Metro, buses and taxis.

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.

With its exterior largely taking shape and the pedestrian link progressing rapidly, Dubai Al Yalayis Station is entering the final stages of preparation ahead of its planned September opening.