UAE
What Etihad Rail's Al Dhafra stations mean for residents
The completion of passenger stations in Liwa and Zayed City signals a new era of connectivity for Abu Dhabi's western region, promising to cut travel times to major cities.
By 19Network Editorial Team · Jul 28, 2026 · 3 min read
Etihad Rail has finished construction on two critical passenger stations in the Al Dhafra region, connecting Liwa and Zayed City to the national network. While passenger services are not yet live, the milestone paves the way for significantly reduced travel times and increased economic activity.
The UAE's national railway network has reached a major milestone with the completion of passenger train stations in Liwa and Zayed City, connecting the vast Al Dhafra region to the country's main economic arteries. While a public launch date for passenger services is still awaited, the new infrastructure promises to slash travel times and link remote communities directly with urban centres. ## What changed? Etihad Rail announced the completion of two key passenger stations in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region. These are not yet open to the public but are structurally ready for the future launch of passenger services. - **Zayed City Station:** Located in the administrative and commercial heart of Al Dhafra, this station will serve the region's most populous area. It is situated near government buildings, offices, and residential communities. - **Liwa Station:** This station will connect the communities of Liwa, providing a crucial link for residents and a gateway for tourists visiting desert attractions like the Liwa Oasis and Moreeb Dune. Both stations are part of Stage Two of the national rail project, a 1,200km network that extends from Ghuweifat on the Saudi border to the port of…