Etihad Rail Partners With Citymapper to Simplify Travel Across the UAE

Planning a journey across the UAE could become easier as Etihad Rail partners with Citymapper to help passengers combine train travel with other public transport options.

Announced on October 27, the partnership brings together Etihad Rail, Citymapper, its parent company Via, and transport operator United Trans. The initiative aims to make it easier for passengers to plan their journeys from their starting point to their final destination.

The development comes as the UAE's national passenger rail network continues to expand, offering residents more options for travelling between emirates.

How will Citymapper help passengers?

The Citymapper app allows users to compare journeys combining Etihad Rail services with metro, bus, on-demand transport and other available mobility options.

Instead of planning each part of a trip separately, passengers can use the app to explore connections between different transport services.

For example, someone travelling to an Etihad Rail station may be able to plan the initial journey by metro or bus, continue by train and identify transport options for reaching their final destination.

The integration is intended to make public transport easier to navigate, particularly for passengers travelling between cities or unfamiliar areas.

Which UAE destinations are connected by passenger rail?

Etihad Rail's national passenger network officially launched on September 30, 2026, with services operating across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah.

The network is part of the UAE's wider efforts to strengthen transport links between emirates and provide additional travel choices for residents and visitors.

As passenger services expand, reliable connections between railway stations and local transport networks will become increasingly important.

Can passengers book train tickets through Citymapper?

The partnership focuses on journey planning rather than replacing Etihad Rail's existing booking channels.

Passengers should continue to use the official Etihad Rail website or app to book and manage their rail journeys. Citymapper can help them plan connections across the wider transport network.

Travellers should check the available routes and connections in the app before setting off, as journey options depend on the services available for their selected trip.

What does this mean for Dubai residents?

For people living or working in Dubai, better connections between trains, metro services and buses could make journeys across the UAE easier to plan.

The partnership also highlights the growing importance of integrated transport systems, where different modes of travel work together rather than operating as separate services.

For commuters, visitors and people travelling between emirates, having more journey information in one place may help them compare options and plan their trips with greater confidence.

As the UAE's passenger rail network develops, improvements in journey planning and transport integration will remain important to making public transport a more practical option for everyday travel.

Inside Dubai will continue to follow transport developments and infrastructure projects affecting residents and travellers across the UAE.