Hamdan bin Zayed receives a delegation from Etihad Rail and directs the launch of Madinat Zayed and Liwa passenger stations on November 30.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, received a delegation from Etihad Rail Company, the developer and operator of the national railway network in the UAE, headed by Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak, at the Palm Palace in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of a number of the company’s executive leadership.

His Highness discussed with the Etihad Rail delegation the latest developments in the UAE national railway network, and future passenger train stations in the Al Dhafra region, in addition to joint projects in the commodities area.

His Highness was briefed on the company’s achievements, most notably the operation of the passenger train between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, which was launched on June 30, 2026 as part of the preliminary operation phase of the passenger train in the UAE.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed that the support that strategic national projects receive from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him,” represents a fundamental pillar in achieving the aspirations of the UAE towards developing an integrated and sustainable transportation system. His Highness praised the efforts of Etihad Rail Company in implementing this vital project that enhances connectivity between the regions of the country and supports the comprehensive development process.

His Highness added that the inauguration by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, of the passenger train station in Mohammed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, represents an important strategic step in the process of developing the transport and infrastructure sector in the country, and embodies the vision of the wise leadership towards building a modern and sustainable transport system that contributes to enhancing interconnection between the various regions of the country and supporting the comprehensive development process.

In this context, His Highness directed that the operating date for Madinat Zayed and Liwa passenger stations be moved forward to November 30, 2026, coinciding with the start of the season of events and festivals in the Al Dhafra region, which will contribute to facilitating the movement of visitors and enhancing access to various destinations and events via the passenger train network.

His Highness listened to a detailed explanation of the wide demand achieved by the project since its start, which reflects customers’ confidence in the services provided by Etihad Rail Company through the national railway network.

His Highness praised the position achieved by Etihad Rail Company in developing the transportation and infrastructure system in the country, as the developer and operator of the national railway network. He also praised the national competencies that operate the passenger train, which will continue to expand to include more stations in the country, confirming the success of the UAE in providing a pioneering model to be followed in developing and operating projects in various sectors, including the railway sector.

This visit comes within the framework of the continuous support that Etihad Rail Company has received from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan since the start of the process of developing and operating the national railway network, which constitutes an incentive to continue its efforts and contribute to promoting comprehensive and sustainable development in the country.

The meeting was attended by the Undersecretary of the Office of the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri.