Dubai is preparing for another major expansion of its passenger rail network, with plans for a second Etihad Rail station in Dubai beyond the upcoming Al Yalayis station.
The new station is planned for Meydan and is expected to be integrated with the future Dubai Metro Gold Line, bringing the national passenger railway closer to central areas of the emirate. The plan was confirmed by Abdul Muhsen Kalbat, CEO of the RTA Rail Agency and a member of the Roads and Transport Authority’s board.
The announcement comes as Dubai prepares to welcome its first Etihad Rail passenger station at Al Yalayis, near Jumeirah Golf Estates, on September 30, 2026.
The announcement comes as Dubai prepares to welcome its first Etihad Rail passenger station at Al Yalayis, near Jumeirah Golf Estates, on September 30, 2026.
For residents, commuters and visitors, the planned Meydan station could become an important link between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s expanding urban public transport network.
Second Etihad Rail Station in Dubai: What You Need to Know
The second Etihad Rail station Dubai plan is part of a broader strategy to integrate national rail services with Dubai’s Metro, buses and other modes of transport.
According to the RTA Rail Agency chief, one future Etihad Rail station will be located in Meydan and is planned to connect with a future Gold Line Metro station. The exact site and opening timeline have not yet been announced.
This means the Meydan station is a future project rather than a station that passengers can use today.
The new station is planned for Meydan and is expected to be integrated with the future Dubai Metro Gold Line, bringing the national passenger railway closer to central areas of the emirate. The plan was confirmed by Abdul Muhsen Kalbat, CEO of the RTA Rail Agency and a member of the Roads and The announcement is nevertheless significant because it provides more clarity about where Dubai’s national passenger rail network could expand after the opening of the first station at Al Yalayis.
Transport Authority’s board.
The announcement comes as Dubai prepares to welcome its first Etihad Rail passenger station at Al Yalayis, near Jumeirah Golf Estates, on September 30, 2026.
For residents, commuters and visitors, the planned Meydan station could become an important link between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s expanding urban public transport network.
Second Etihad Rail Station in Dubai: What You Need to Know
The second Etihad Rail station Dubai plan is part of a broader strategy to integrate national rail services with Dubai’s Metro, buses and other modes of transport.
According to the RTA Rail Agency chief, one future Etihad Rail station will be located in Meydan and is planned to connect with a future Gold Line Metro station. The exact site and opening timeline have not yet been announced.
This means the Meydan station is a future project rather than a station that passengers can use today.
Where Will the Second Etihad Rail Station Be Located?
The planned Etihad Rail station location in Dubai is Meydan, according to the RTA Rail Agency CEO.
The exact plot or station address has not yet been disclosed. Authorities have confirmed the broader Meydan location and its planned integration with the future Metro Gold Line, but a specific opening date and detailed station layout remain unknown.
Meydan is a strategically important area in Dubai, with residential, commercial, leisure and sporting destinations as well as connections to several major roads.
A national railway station in the area would therefore bring intercity rail connectivity closer to central Dubai than the first Al Yalayis station.
Is Meydan the First Etihad Rail Station in Dubai?
No.
Dubai’s first passenger station on the national Etihad Rail network is Dubai Al Yalayis Station, located next to Jumeirah Golf Estates.
The station is scheduled to open on September 30, 2026 and will provide passenger rail connections between Dubai and other parts of the UAE. The journey from Al Yalayis to Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed City station is expected to take approximately 57 minutes.
The planned Meydan station would therefore become an additional Etihad Rail passenger connection in Dubai.
This distinction is important because the Meydan station is a future project, while Al Yalayis is the station approaching its scheduled opening.
Etihad Rail Dubai Station: Al Yalayis vs Meydan
Dubai’s two planned national Etihad Rail connections can be understood as follows:
| Station | Location | Status | Key Connectivity |
| Al Yalayis | Near Jumeirah Golf Estates | Scheduled to open September 30, 2026 | Etihad Rail + Dubai Metro Red Line |
| Meydan | Meydan | Future planned station | Etihad Rail + future Metro Gold Line |
The Al Yalayis station is already nearing completion, while the Meydan station remains at the planning stage.
How Will the Meydan Etihad Rail Station Connect to Dubai Metro?
One of the most important features of the planned second Etihad Rail station in Dubai is its connection with the future Dubai Metro Gold Line.
RTA has confirmed that the Meydan station is planned to be integrated with a Gold Line station. This would allow passengers to transfer between the national railway and Dubai’s Metro network.
The Gold Line itself is planned as a major future expansion of Dubai Metro.
RTA officials have said the Gold Line is scheduled to open on September 9, 2032, subject to the planned project programme. The line is expected to expand Dubai’s Metro network substantially.
The planned integration means the Meydan station could eventually become part of a larger multimodal transport hub.
What Is the Dubai Metro Gold Line?
The Dubai Metro Gold Line is a planned future Metro expansion that will add new connections across the emirate.
According to RTA officials, the line is scheduled to open on September 9, 2032. The authority planned to release the tender before the end of 2026, with construction expected to follow after the contractor is appointed.
The planned Meydan Etihad Rail station is designed around this future Metro expansion.
As a result, the station should not be viewed as an isolated rail project. Its significance comes largely from the planned integration between national rail and Dubai’s future urban Metro system.
Etihad Rail Dubai Connectivity: What Could Change?
The planned station could create another interchange between intercity rail and Dubai’s local transport network.
Passengers arriving in Dubai by Etihad Rail could potentially transfer to the future Gold Line for onward journeys through the city.
RTA’s wider integration plans also include connections between rail, buses, walking routes and cycling infrastructure. The Rail Agency CEO said integration between different transport modes is central to providing a smoother passenger journey.
This approach could reduce the need for passengers to rely on private cars for the entire journey.
Nol Card Integration With Etihad Rail
Another important part of Dubai’s future rail connectivity is the planned integration of Nol with Etihad Rail.
The RTA Rail Agency chief said that integration between Etihad Rail and the Nol system is ready to be implemented, with the aim of making transfers between transport systems easier for passengers.
If implemented as planned, this could simplify journeys involving Dubai Metro, buses and national rail.
Passengers would potentially be able to move between different forms of public transport through a more integrated ticketing and payment experience.
Why Is the Meydan Location Important?
Meydan is closer to central Dubai than the Al Yalayis station in Dubai South.
The planned location could therefore extend the reach of Etihad Rail towards more centrally located communities and destinations.
A station in Meydan could also serve as a connection point between national rail and Dubai’s future urban transport network.
The RTA has emphasised the importance of connecting different transport systems rather than developing each rail project independently.
First Etihad Rail Station in Dubai: Al Yalayis
Before the Meydan station becomes operational, Al Yalayis Station will serve as Dubai’s first passenger station on the national Etihad Rail network.
Located next to Jumeirah Golf Estates in Me’aisem First, the station is directly opposite Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station.
The station is connected to the Dubai Metro Red Line through an approximately 400-metre elevated pedestrian walkway.
This means the first Dubai station is already being designed as an interchange between national rail and the existing Metro network.
The Al Yalayis station is scheduled to open on September 30, 2026.
Al Yalayis to Abu Dhabi in 57 Minutes
The upcoming Dubai Al Yalayis station is expected to significantly shorten some journeys between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The journey from Al Yalayis to Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed City station is expected to take approximately 57 minutes.
This connection will provide another option for people travelling between the two emirates.
The service is also expected to support commuting, leisure travel and cross-emirate journeys as the national passenger network expands.
How the Second Station Could Support Commuters
The second Etihad Rail station in Dubai could provide another option for commuters travelling between Dubai and other emirates.
Its planned integration with the Gold Line would make the station particularly relevant for passengers whose final destination is not in Meydan itself.
Instead of completing an intercity rail journey and then relying entirely on a car or taxi, passengers could potentially transfer to the Metro network.
The effectiveness of this connection will ultimately depend on the final Gold Line alignment, station design, service schedules and integration arrangements.
Etihad Rail Future Plans Dubai: Four Rail Stations
Dubai’s rail network is expected to become considerably larger over the coming years.
According to RTA Director General and Chairman Mattar Al Tayer, Dubai will ultimately have four stations connected to Etihad Rail projects.
Two will be connected to the national Etihad Rail passenger network, while two additional stations will serve the planned high-speed Abu Dhabi-Dubai railway.
The two high-speed rail stations in Dubai are planned at:
Al Maktoum International Airport
Al Jaddaf
These are separate from the national passenger rail stations at Al Yalayis and the planned Meydan location.
Dubai's Planned High-Speed Rail Network
The planned high-speed railway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is separate from the national Etihad Rail passenger network.
The project is expected to include stations at Al Maktoum International Airport and Al Jaddaf in Dubai. Trains are planned to travel at speeds of up to 350km/h, with a potential journey time of around 30 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
This means Dubai’s future rail system will consist of several interconnected layers, including the existing Metro, the national Etihad Rail network and the planned high-speed railway.
Airport Express Line and Dubai Rail Connectivity
Dubai’s wider rail plans also include an Airport Express Line connecting Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.
The planned line will span approximately 55 kilometres and include five stations, according to the RTA Rail Agency chief. The route is expected to connect DXB with Al Maktoum International Airport through areas including Al Jaddaf, Al Khail Road and Jumeirah Village Circle.
Additional connections are planned around Jumeirah Village Circle, including routes towards Business Bay and Al Fardan Exchange near Dubai Marina.
The project is still progressing through study and planning stages.
What Does This Mean for Dubai Residents?
The expansion of Etihad Rail could provide residents with more options for travelling within Dubai and between emirates.
The biggest change will be the growing integration of different transport systems.
Instead of viewing Metro, national rail, buses and future high-speed trains as separate services, Dubai’s transport strategy is increasingly focused on connecting them.
The planned Meydan station is an example of this approach.
Its proposed Gold Line connection could allow passengers to use Etihad Rail for intercity travel and Metro services for onward journeys within Dubai.
Potential Benefits of the Second Etihad Rail Station
The future Meydan station could contribute to several areas of Dubai’s transport development.
Better Intercity Connectivity
A second national rail station would give Dubai another connection to the UAE-wide Etihad Rail passenger network.
Metro Integration
The planned connection with the Gold Line could allow passengers to transfer between national rail and Dubai Metro.
More Public Transport Options
Residents could have another alternative to private vehicles for selected journeys.
Stronger Multimodal Transport
The RTA’s plans include integration between rail, buses, cycling and walking infrastructure.
Access Closer to Central Dubai
Meydan would bring the national rail network closer to central parts of the emirate than the first Al Yalayis station.
Will the Second Etihad Rail Station Open Soon?
There is currently no confirmed opening date for the Meydan station.
The RTA has confirmed the future plan and location in Meydan, but the exact station site and delivery timeline have not been announced.
This means residents should distinguish between confirmed plans and operational dates.
The September 30, 2026 opening date applies to the Al Yalayis station, not the future Meydan station.
Similarly, the September 9, 2032 date refers to the planned opening of the Gold Line and should not be treated as the confirmed opening date of the Meydan Etihad Rail station.
Quick Look: Second Etihad Rail Station Dubai
| Feature | Details |
| Planned location | Meydan |
| Rail network | Etihad Rail national passenger network |
| Status | Future planned station |
| Metro connection | Planned Dubai Metro Gold Line |
| Exact site | Not announced |
| Opening date | Not announced |
| First Dubai Etihad Rail station | Al Yalayis |
| Al Yalayis opening | September 30, 2026 |
| Future Gold Line opening | September 9, 2032 |
| Nol integration | Planned and ready for implementation |
| Wider connectivity | Metro, buses, cycling and walking |
Etihad Rail Station Location Dubai: What Passengers Should Watch For
People planning future journeys should wait for RTA and Etihad Rail to announce the exact Meydan station site, opening schedule, routes and passenger service details.
The current announcement establishes the Meydan location and Gold Line integration, but several operational details remain to be confirmed.
These may include:
The exact station plot
Opening date
Passenger timetable
Ticket prices
Train frequency
Parking arrangements
Bus connections
Final Gold Line interchange design
As the project develops, these details are expected to provide a clearer picture of how the station will operate.
Dubai's Rail Network Is Expanding
The second national rail station is just one element of Dubai’s broader transport transformation.
The emirate is simultaneously developing the Metro Blue Line, planning the Gold Line, preparing connections to the national Etihad Rail network and studying the Airport Express Line.
The Blue Line is currently under construction and is scheduled to open on September 9, 2029, while the Gold Line is planned for September 9, 2032.
Together, these projects are expected to create a more interconnected rail network across Dubai.
Final Words
The second Etihad Rail station in Dubai is planned for Meydan and will be integrated with the future Dubai Metro Gold Line.
The announcement marks an important development in Dubai’s long-term rail strategy, but the station is still a future project. The exact location and opening date have not yet been announced.
Dubai’s first national Etihad Rail passenger station, Al Yalayis, is scheduled to open on September 30, 2026, next to Jumeirah Golf Estates. It will connect to the existing Red Line through an elevated pedestrian walkway.
Beyond these two national rail connections, Dubai is also planning two stations for the future Abu Dhabi-Dubai high-speed railway at Al Maktoum International Airport and Al Jaddaf.
The combination of Etihad Rail, Dubai Metro, buses, future high-speed rail and other transport modes is set to create a more integrated public transport network across the emirate.
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FAQs
Where will the second Etihad Rail station in Dubai be located?
The second planned Etihad Rail passenger station in Dubai will be located in Meydan. The RTA has confirmed that it is planned to integrate with a future Dubai Metro Gold Line station, but the exact site has not yet been announced.
When will the second Etihad Rail station Dubai open?
There is currently no confirmed opening date for the Meydan station. It remains a future planned station, while Dubai’s first Etihad Rail passenger station at Al Yalayis is scheduled to open on September 30, 2026.
Is Meydan the same as the Al Yalayis Etihad Rail station?
No. Al Yalayis and Meydan are separate planned Etihad Rail passenger connections in Dubai. Al Yalayis, next to Jumeirah Golf Estates, is the first Dubai station and is scheduled to open in September 2026. Meydan is the additional future station.
Will the second Etihad Rail station connect to Dubai Metro?
Yes. The planned Meydan station is expected to be integrated with the future Dubai Metro Gold Line. RTA has also said its wider transport strategy includes integration between rail, Metro, buses and micromobility.
Will Etihad Rail be integrated with the Nol card?
The RTA Rail Agency chief has said that integration between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s Nol system is ready to be implemented, with the aim of making transfers between transport systems easier for passengers.
How many Etihad Rail-related stations will Dubai eventually have?
Dubai is expected to have four stations linked to Etihad Rail projects: two associated with the national Etihad Rail passenger network and two planned for the high-speed Abu Dhabi-Dubai railway. The high-speed stations are planned at Al Maktoum International Airport and Al Jaddaf.
When will the Dubai Metro Gold Line open?
The RTA has stated that the Gold Line is scheduled to open on September 9, 2032. However, this should not be treated as the opening date for the future Meydan Etihad Rail station, which has not yet been given a confirmed timeline.
