Dubai Airports has unveiled an ambitious 10-year strategy to transform both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) into the world’s most accessible and inclusive airports by 2035.

This long-term commitment is part of Dubai’s broader vision to become a truly disability-friendly city, focusing on enhancing the travel experience for People of Determination (PoD) across every touchpoint.

What Does the Plan Involve?

The strategy focuses on a fundamental shift in mindset and culture, moving beyond just infrastructure improvements. It aligns with international best practices and the UAE’s commitment to PoD rights.

Recent initiatives already in place include:

• Sunflower Lanyards: A discreet identifier for travellers with hidden needs, granting them access to priority lanes and an autism-friendly route.
• Hearing Loops: Installed across more than 520 touch points for travellers with hearing loss.
• Autism-Friendly Certification: DXB is recognised as an autism-friendly airport.
• Assisted Travel Lounge: A quiet, sensory-friendly lounge located in Terminal 2.
• Online Travel Planner: A visual guide to help guests prepare for their journey in advance.

The “DXB for All” Campaign

To launch the next phase of this plan, Dubai Airports has partnered with the PoD community to create a new public awareness campaign, anchored by the pledge “DXB for All.”

The campaign features six powerful, real-life stories of people with determination, including advocates like Fatma Al Jassim and former Paralympic swimmer Jessica Smith, showcasing how they navigate the busy airport. The stories highlight the importance of:

• Employee sign language skills for deaf guests.
• Tactile guidance for those with visual impairments.
• Managing sensory sensitivities for children on the autism spectrum.

A Collaborative Effort

Making this vision a reality is a collaborative effort involving the entire oneDXB community, including key partners like Emirates, flydubai, Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, dnata, and many others, ensuring a seamless and inclusive journey for every guest.

The UAE’s landmark Etihad Rail project is set to transform the nation’s transport system, and Dubai’s Nol card will be at the heart of it.

When the first phase of passenger services launches in 2026, commuters will be able to use a single Nol card to travel across Etihad Rail trains, Dubai Metro, buses, taxis, and other public transport services.

This marks a major milestone in the UAE’s ambition to deliver a seamless, cash-free, and fully integrated public transport system.

Unified Ticketing Across the Emirates

As part of the integration plan:

• Dubai’s Etihad Rail stations will link directly to feeder buses, metro lines, and taxi services.
• Abu Dhabi’s stations will connect to city buses for easy transfers.
• Sharjah and Fujairah will integrate local public transport networks with Etihad Rail hubs.

The move will eliminate the need for multiple tickets or separate payment systems, simplifying connectivity and making public transport more attractive to residents and visitors.

Officials say the initiative will help cut traffic congestion, reduce emissions, and encourage more commuters to shift from cars to sustainable transport options.

A Smarter, Greener Commute

The integration of Nol cards across rail and local transit is expected to:

• Boost public transport adoption.
• Provide one-tap access to trains, metro, buses, and taxis.
• Support a sustainable, future-ready mobility ecosystem nationwide.

The UAE government has framed the move as a key step toward reducing congestion, increasing productivity, and improving quality of life.

Etihad Rail: The UAE’s Future-Ready Mobility Backbone

• The 1,200-km Etihad Rail network will connect major spots across all seven emirates.
• Passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h, reducing travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to around 50 minutes.
• The system will carry 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030, supported by 13 trains, each accommodating up to 400 passengers.
• The project aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 goals, cutting emissions by replacing thousands of road journeys.

Etihad Rail has revealed the final designs of its highly anticipated passenger trains, set to transform inter-emirate travel in the UAE. The model, showcased at the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, featured the train’s distinctive silver exterior adorned with Etihad Rail’s signature black-and-red logo.

Three-Class Comfort for Every Passenger
The new trains will offer Economy, Family, and First Class cabins. Economy Class features face-to-face seating in dark grey, while Family Class provides opposing seats with a larger central table. First Class offers wide, adjustable seats for ultimate comfort. All cabins include foldable tables behind each seat, overhead luggage compartments, and designated spaces for larger baggage.

Fast Connections Across the UAE
Set to launch in 2026, Etihad Rail will connect Abu Dhabi to Dubai in just 57 minutes. Additional journeys include Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in around 100 minutes and Abu Dhabi to Ruwais in approximately 70 minutes. Trains are designed to operate at speeds up to 200 km/h.

Train Models and Capacity
Two train models will operate on the network: Chinese-manufactured CRC coaches with around 365 seats and Spanish-built CAF coaches with about 369 seats. Both models share the same three-class layout, though minor design differences exist. Crew uniforms will feature cream and red, while train drivers will wear grey and black.

Smart Stations and Easy Booking
Passengers will enter stations using smart electronic gates. Tickets can be booked online in advance, while vending machines at stations, displayed during the conference in black-and-grey, will allow passengers to select travel class, departure and arrival stations, and special requests. Payment options include cash, debit/credit cards, and Apple Pay.

Ticket prices and details on connecting transport options, including public buses, are expected to be announced closer to the 2026 launch.