UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelled from Abu Dhabi to Dubai aboard Etihad Rail on Monday, ahead of the launch of the UAE’s national passenger rail service.

The journey came as Etihad Rail prepared to inaugurate its Dubai Station, marking another step towards the start of regular passenger operations across the national railway network.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of Etihad Rail, inaugurated the Dubai station.

Passenger services connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah are scheduled to begin on September 30.

When the Dubai service launches, Etihad Rail will operate 10 daily journeys between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, offering passengers multiple travel options throughout the day.

Passengers will also be able to travel directly between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah, with Dubai’s Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates becoming part of the network. Six daily services will operate between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

The journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will take around one hour and four minutes, while the direct Dubai-Fujairah trip will take approximately one hour and 10 minutes.

“We have designed the timetable around the reality of how people travel, with services throughout the day, making rail a practical option for everyday journeys,” said Ameera Alkhlaifi, Director of Strategy & Growth at Etihad Rail.

The expansion follows the introductory Abu Dhabi-Fujairah passenger services, which have carried more than 150,000 passengers. Etihad Rail said repeat journeys have been increasing, with customers typically booking around 10 days ahead.

The operator said feedback and passenger behaviour during the introductory phase are being used to shape the experience as more destinations are added to the network.

“Every new destination added to the network brings the benefits of passenger rail within reach of more people and communities across the UAE,” said Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial at Etihad Rail Mobility.

More Etihad Rail stations to open

The September 30 launch forms part of a phased expansion of the UAE’s passenger rail network.

Madinat Zayed and Liwa are scheduled to join the network on November 30, followed by additional stations in Al Dhafra on December 30.

In Sharjah, University City station is scheduled to open on March 30, 2027.

Etihad Rail’s longer-term plans also extend beyond the UAE through Hafeet Rail, the planned railway connection between the UAE and Oman. The project is expected to create new cross-border links for both passengers and freight, supporting wider regional connectivity.

 Former India international and World Cup winner Robin Uthappa has been appointed Team Director of Yas Lions, the newest franchise to join the Abu Dhabi T10, as the Jeetu Kataria-owned team prepares for its debut in the tournament.

Uthappa will oversee the franchise’s cricketing strategy, player development, recruitment and squad culture, working alongside the coaching staff as Yas Lions build their identity ahead of the new Abu Dhabi T10 season.

The franchise has also confirmed West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder as its Icon player, while Andries Gous and David Willey have been unveiled as its Platinum signings.

Yas Lions will make their Abu Dhabi T10 debut at Zayed Cricket Stadium from November 7 to 20, joining an expanding 2026 line-up that includes Arabian Aces, Emirates Eagles, UAE Bulls, United Tigers and Royal Desert Champions.

Uthappa, who was part of India’s 2007 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup-winning squad, brings extensive experience from international and franchise cricket to his new leadership role. Since ending his playing career in 2022, he has developed a second career spanning entrepreneurship, broadcasting and high-performance coaching.

As Team Director, Uthappa will work closely with the franchise’s management and coaching team on player recruitment, mentoring and building the culture of the new side.

The former India international has long advocated for cricket to reach new audiences and sees the fast-paced T10 format as an opportunity to introduce the sport to a wider global fan base.

Robin Uthappa, Team Director of Yas Lions, said:“There is a lot to like about starting a franchise from scratch, because you get to build its identity around clarity, process and performance from the very first conversation. T10 cricket rewards players who can function under pressure rather than avoid it, and that is exactly the mindset we want running through this squad.

“Our Direct Signings include match winners with plenty of experience, class and versatility. I have long believed T10 can be a gateway for new fans into the sport. I am looking forward to working with this group and building something we can be proud of — a team that competes hard and helps grow the game.”

Jason Holder leads Yas Lions’ playing core

Former West Indies captain and T20 World Cup winner Jason Holder has been signed as the Yas Lions’ Icon player.

An experienced international all-rounder, Holder brings a combination of power hitting and seam bowling to the side. Renowned for his lower-middle-order batting and ability to generate bounce with his bowling, he will be one of the key figures in Yas Lions’ first Abu Dhabi T10 campaign.

The franchise has also secured two Platinum signings in Andries Gous and David Willey.

Gous, a wicketkeeper-batsman, has scored centuries across all three formats and boasts an average of almost 40. The aggressive right-hander is known for his boundary-hitting approach and adds further firepower to the Yas Lions batting line-up, alongside his skills behind the stumps.

Willey, the former England international, brings experience from the highest level of white-ball cricket. The left-arm bowler and batsman was part of England’s squad that won the 2022 T20 World Cup, adding further international pedigree to the new franchise.

Building a franchise for the long term

Yas Lions is owned by entrepreneur and investor Jeetu Kataria, who brings almost two decades of experience across institutional capital markets, investment banking, asset management and financial technology.

Kataria’s vision is to build more than a cricket team, with the franchise aiming to establish a strong identity based on governance, player development, performance and long-term partnerships.

Jeetu Kataria, Owner of Yas Lions, said:
“Building Yas Lions is about applying the core principles I stand by — meticulous planning and a long-term vision. The Abu Dhabi T10 gives us an outstanding platform to build a franchise with a real identity, one grounded in process, governance and respect for players and partners.

“Having Robin lead our cricketing operation gives us a rare combination of championship experience and modern high-performance thinking. Together with Jason, Andries and David, we have the foundations of a squad built to compete from the first season itself.

“Our ambition is clear: build a contender, build a brand, and help take cricket to new audiences around the world.”

Matt Boucher, CEO of the Abu Dhabi T10 and Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub (ADCSH), said the arrival of Yas Lions adds further momentum to the tournament’s international ambitions.

Matt Boucher said:
“Welcoming Yas Lions is another important step in our ambition to build the Abu Dhabi T10 into a truly global sporting property. With strong international investment, experienced leadership and world-class playing talent, franchises such as Yas Lions are integral to our strategy of expanding the tournament’s international reach, attracting new audiences and creating long-term value for the sport.

“Our vision extends well beyond the tournament itself. We want to establish Abu Dhabi as a leading international destination for cricket and major sporting events, bringing together global talent, commercial partnerships and passionate fans. Yas Lions share that ambition, and their arrival adds further momentum to an exciting new era for Abu Dhabi T10.”

Further squad announcements are expected ahead of the Official Player Draft in Abu Dhabi on September 30, as Yas Lions continue to build their squad for their inaugural Abu Dhabi T10 campaign.

Over the next three to five years, the franchise aims to establish itself as a consistent contender while developing into a recognisable global T10 brand, with a focus on talent development, fan engagement, sustainable partnerships and connecting with cricket communities across the UAE and wider diaspora.

Dubai’s new Etihad Rail station has officially opened, marking a major step towards the launch of passenger train services connecting the emirate with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail, inaugurated the station in the presence of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The opening comes ahead of the start of passenger services on September 30, when trains will begin connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah as part of the UAE’s national railway network.

Before the official inauguration, Sheikh Mohamed travelled by Etihad Rail from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. During the journey, he was briefed on the train’s operating systems, national objectives and passenger services. After arriving in Dubai, the UAE President met members of the national team working on the project and posed for commemorative photographs with them.

During a tour of the Dubai station, Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Theyab were briefed on its facilities and operations, including ticket booking, passenger procedures, boarding and the overall journey experience.

Sheikh Hamdan also shared a photograph of his Etihad Rail ticket. Dated September 28, the ticket showed a 2.11pm departure from Dubai and arrival in Abu Dhabi at 3.13pm — a journey time of one hour and two minutes. The ticket was for the Comfort Saver category, priced at Dh39.

Sheikh Hamdan said the Dubai station would serve as a new national gateway, strengthening connections between the emirate, the capital and other cities across the UAE.

“Connecting Dubai to the national Etihad Rail network enhances its presence at the heart of the country’s movement, supports its pivotal role in the national economy, and consolidates its position as a global centre for business, tourism and investment,” he said.

Sheikh Theyab said the strong demand for passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah since their launch reflected public confidence in rail travel as a new mode of transportation.

Tickets from Dh39

From September 30, passengers will be able to travel between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah on Etihad Rail passenger services.

Tickets are available through the Etihad Rail app, website and ticket machines at stations. Fares start at Dh39 for Comfort Class and Dh109 for Premium Class.

The Dubai station is also linked to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station through a dedicated pedestrian bridge, allowing passengers to transfer directly between Etihad Rail and the Dubai Metro.

Integration with Dubai’s Nol passenger system will further connect rail and public transport services. Passengers can use a unified QR code for journeys involving Etihad Rail, the Metro, tram and bus services.

The passenger service is operated by Etihad Rail Passenger Services, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis, a global passenger transport operator.

The launch marks the next phase of the UAE’s national railway network, bringing intercity passenger rail travel to Dubai and creating a new public transport link between some of the country’s major cities.