Dubai opens pedestrian bridge linking Etihad Rail's Al Yalayis station to Metro
In short
A pedestrian bridge linking Etihad Rail's Al Yalayis station in Dubai with Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Dubai Metro Red Line has opened. Outlets put its length at 400 or 375 metres and the walk at about five minutes.
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Etihad Rail has opened a pedestrian bridge linking its Al Yalayis station in Dubai with Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Dubai Metro Red Line. Gulf News and Lovin Dubai reported on October 14, citing an Etihad Rail announcement shared on its Instagram account, that it would open on Thursday, October 15. The National and Gulf News reported on October 15 that it was open. Economy Middle East reported on October 16 that Etihad Rail announced on Friday that it had opened it. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 ]
Outlets differ on the bridge's length. Gulf News, Lovin Dubai and The National put it at about 400 metres. Economy Middle East and Emirates 24|7 give 375 metres. Both of the latter say crossing takes about five minutes, supported by signs and wayfinding between the two stations. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 6 , 7 ]
Gulf News reported that rail passengers can now walk between the train and Metro stations instead of relying on taxis or buses. The National said a shuttle bus ran between the stations before the bridge opened. Commuters from elsewhere in Dubai can take the Metro to Jumeirah Golf Estates and walk to the rail station. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Mohammed Alshehhi of Etihad Rail said the direct link was an important milestone in making the national railway network more closely connected to Dubai's public transport. Economy Middle East and Emirates 24|7 quoted him as saying the integration would offer citizens, residents and visitors more choice and flexibility. Both quoted him as acting under the guidance of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail. The two outlets give his title differently. [ 6 , 7 ]
Etihad Rail launched passenger services on September 30, linking Al Yalayis with Mohammed Bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi and other destinations. The Dubai-Abu Dhabi journey takes about one hour, with Comfort Class tickets starting from Dh39, Gulf News and Lovin Dubai reported. The National said variable pricing has been introduced on several routes because of demand, with some tickets rising by up to Dh69. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The National also reported that an interchange between the Metro Red and Gold lines at Al Yalayis is planned for 2032, and that Sharjah's Road and Transport Authority announced three bus routes (ER1, ER2 and ER3) to Al Dhaid station. Arabian Business's headline said the new link comes with a single QR-code ticket covering both services. [ 3 , 8 ]
Why it matters
The bridge lets rail passengers reach the Metro on foot instead of by taxi, bus or shuttle, according to the outlets. Etihad Rail described it as part of its effort to integrate the national rail network with Dubai's public transport.
Key facts
- The bridge connects Etihad Rail's Al Yalayis station with Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Dubai Metro Red Line. [ 1 , 2 , 6 , 7 ]
- Gulf News and Lovin Dubai reported on 14 October that it would open on Thursday, October 15, citing an Etihad Rail announcement. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Gulf News, The National, Economy Middle East and Emirates 24|7 reported the bridge open; crossing it takes about five minutes. [ 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 ]
- Etihad Rail launched passenger services on September 30, linking Al Yalayis with Mohammed Bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi and other destinations. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The Dubai-Abu Dhabi journey takes about one hour, with Comfort Class tickets starting from Dh39. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The RTA's F38 feeder bus also serves Al Yalayis, connecting Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station with Dubai Production City and Dubai Sports City. [ 1 , 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Length of the bridge. Gulf News, Lovin Dubai and The National give about 400 metres; Economy Middle East and Emirates 24|7, citing Etihad Rail, give 375 metres.
- When the opening was announced. Gulf News and Lovin Dubai reported on 14 October that it would open on Thursday, October 15; Economy Middle East said Etihad Rail announced on Friday that it had opened it.
- Title of the Etihad Rail official quoted. Economy Middle East calls Mohammed Alshehhi Chief Projects Officer; Emirates 24|7 calls Mohammed Al Shehhi Head of Projects.
- A single QR-code ticket covering both train and Metro. Only the Arabian Business headline and summary mention it, and the article text was not available.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- On October 14 Gulf News reported that the bridge would open the next day, citing an Etihad Rail Instagram announcement. [ 1 ]
- On October 14 Lovin Dubai reported the bridge would open on Thursday, October 15. [ 2 ]
- On October 15 The National reported the footbridge opening in Dubai on Thursday. [ 3 ]
- On October 15 Gulf News reported the bridge open, with a five-minute walk connecting the stations. [ 4 ]
- On October 16 Economy Middle East reported that Etihad Rail announced on Friday it had opened the bridge. [ 6 ]