Etihad Rail’s passenger network is expanding, with two new stations in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region set to open on November 30.

The opening date for the Madinat Zayed and Liwa stations was confirmed after Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra, met Etihad Rail officials at Al Nakheel Palace on Wednesday.

According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, Sheikh Hamdan directed that both stations be operational in time for Abu Dhabi’s busy festival and entertainment season, making travel easier for residents and visitors.

Where are the new stations?

Madinat Zayed: The station will connect one of the Al Dhafra region’s largest towns to the UAE’s national passenger rail network.

Liwa: Located in the famous Liwa Oasis, the station is expected to improve access to the region’s iconic desert attractions.

Passenger network rollout

The UAE officially launched Etihad Rail’s passenger service on June 30, with three daily services operating between Mohammed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi and Al Hilal in Fujairah.

More stations will open in phases:

• September 30, 2026: Jumeirah Golf Estates (Dubai) and Al Dhaid.
• November 30, 2026: Madinat Zayed and Liwa.
• December 30, 2026: Al Dhannah and Al Sila.
• March 30, 2027: University City in Sharjah.

The phased rollout will continue expanding the UAE’s national passenger rail network, improving connectivity between major cities and regional destinations.

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has clarified six situations in which employees may not receive compensation for workplace injuries or occupational diseases.

The rules are part of the country’s occupational health and safety framework, which aims to reduce workplace accidents while ensuring employers and employees follow safety standards.

When compensation can be denied

According to MoHRE, employees may lose their right to compensation if they:

• Intentionally injure themselves.
• Are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances at the time of the incident.
• Deliberately ignore clearly displayed workplace safety instructions.
• Cause the injury through intentional misconduct.
• Refuse, without a valid reason, to undergo a medical examination or follow prescribed treatment.
• Are found by authorities to have intentionally violated workplace safety regulations.

Employer responsibilities

Under UAE labour laws, employers must provide a safe workplace by:

• Supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) free of charge.
• Training employees on workplace safety.
• Conducting health checks where required.
• Keeping records of workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
• Reporting workplace accidents to the relevant medical and police authorities.

Employers are also required to investigate workplace incidents and maintain health records for employees exposed to occupational risks.

Compensation rules

Employers must cover medical treatment costs for work-related injuries and occupational diseases.

Compensation is calculated based on the employee’s latest basic salary and should be paid within 10 days of the medical report determining the level of disability.

If a workplace injury results in permanent disability or death, compensation is paid according to UAE labour regulations, with the final assessment made by a specialised medical committee.

Importantly, employers cannot terminate an injured employee’s contract until all legal entitlements have been settled.

What counts as a work injury?

A work injury includes accidents that happen while performing job duties, as well as certain accidents during direct travel to or from work. Occupational diseases linked to an employee’s job are also covered under UAE law.

Focus on prevention

MoHRE says the regulations are designed to balance employee protection with personal responsibility. While workers are protected when injuries occur during the course of employment, they are also expected to follow workplace safety rules.

The ministry continues to inspect private-sector companies to ensure compliance, helping create safer and healthier workplaces across the UAE.

Hundreds of Indian nationals visited the UAE’s newly launched Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) on Wednesday as the new network officially began operations, marking a major overhaul of Indian passport and consular services in the country.

The centres, operated by Al Hind Tours & Travels, have taken over passport, visa, attestation and other consular application services previously handled at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

A total of 16 ICAC centres are now operational across the UAE, making it easier for Indian residents to access consular services closer to home.

Speaking at the opening of the flagship centre at UW Mall in Bur Dubai, Mohammed Haris, Chairman and Founder of Al Group of Companies, said demand was high from the moment bookings opened.

Largest centre in Bur Dubai

The Bur Dubai branch is the largest Indian Consular Application Centre in the UAE, featuring 70 service counters with the capacity to serve around 600 applicants a day. The second-largest facility is located in Dubai Investment Park.

Once all 16 centres are fully operational, the network is expected to process up to 8,000 applications daily. Around 350 employees have been recruited to manage operations across the country.

Dh19 service fee

Applicants will pay a Dh19 service charge in addition to the applicable Government of India fee.

The charge includes several services that were previously paid for separately, including passport photographs, photocopying, printing and form-filling assistance.

Al Hind confirmed there are no premium service options, with all applicants receiving the same level of service.

Faster application process

Officials said most applications can be completed in around 30 minutes, provided applicants arrive with the required documents.

Appointments can be booked through the new online portal, with fresh slots released twice daily at 9am and 9pm.

Services available

The new centres offer a full range of Indian consular services, including:

• Passport applications and renewals
• Visa services
• Document attestation
• OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) services
• Other consular applications

With the launch of the ICAC network, applicants will no longer need to visit the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Indian Consulate in Dubai to submit most routine consular applications.