Etihad Rail Al Dhaid station opens: ‘Best option’ for Abu Dhabi trips, say passengers

Al Dhaid joined the UAE’s national passenger railway network on Wednesday, marking the opening of Sharjah’s first Etihad Rail station and providing direct rail connections to Fujairah and Abu Dhabi.

The new station, located in Muragabat, serves as a rail gateway for central Sharjah and nearby communities, including Shawka.

Etihad Rail Opens New Connection for Sharjah

The launch gives residents in Al Dhaid and surrounding areas a new option for travelling across the UAE.

The journey from Al Dhaid to Abu Dhabi takes just over an hour, while passengers can reach Fujairah in around 25 minutes by train.

Musabih Saif, a resident of Shawka near Al Dhaid, was among the passengers who travelled from Fujairah to Al Dhaid on an Etihad Rail service on Wednesday morning.

He said the railway has become an important travel option for residents of the northern emirates, particularly patients travelling to Abu Dhabi for hospital appointments.

Train Offers Easier Travel for Patients and Students

Residents who previously depended on family members or other forms of transport can now use the train for regular journeys.

Saif said the service could particularly benefit patients, students and trainees who do not have their own vehicles.

For patients travelling to Abu Dhabi for treatment and follow-up appointments, the direct rail connection could make travel more convenient and reduce the need to arrange private transportation.

Facilities at Al Dhaid Station

Al Dhaid Station has several facilities designed to support passengers, including:

Prayer room
Passenger waiting area
Toilets
First-aid room
Ticket vending machines
Information and support desk
Pick-up and drop-off bays
Parking at the station is currently free, with 26 spaces, including seven designated for electric vehicles.

Bus and Taxi Connections Available

Passengers can also connect to the wider Sharjah transport network through three bus routes serving the station:

ER1: Al Madam Bus Station
ER2: Al Sajaa Bus Station
ER3: Al Jubail Bus Station

Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available for passengers travelling to and from the station. Sharjah taxi meter fares start from Dh3.

For residents of Al Dhaid, Shawka and nearby villages, the new station is expected to provide a more convenient way to travel across the UAE.

The service could particularly help people travelling to Abu Dhabi for medical appointments, students without cars and families who previously needed to arrange a driver for longer journeys.

With Al Dhaid now connected to the national passenger rail network, residents have a new transport option linking central Sharjah with Fujairah and Abu Dhabi.