Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, has ordered that two passenger rail stations in the region open earlier than planned, with Madinat Zayed and Liwa now scheduled to launch on November 30, 2026 to coincide with the start of Al Dhafra’s events and festivals season.
The directive came during a meeting at Al Nakheel Palace in Abu Dhabi, where Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed received an Etihad Rail delegation headed by CEO Shadi Malak, accompanied by senior executives from the company.
The session covered the latest progress on the UAE National Railway Network, including planned passenger stations across Al Dhafra and joint projects in Al Sila’a.
Etihad Rail launched passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30, marking the beginning of passenger rail operations in the UAE.
The Mohammed bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi was subsequently inaugurated by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed noted that strong early demand since the start of operations reflects public confidence in the service. He praised the national talent running the network and said passenger rail would continue to expand with additional stations across the country.
The meeting was attended by Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region.
