Drivers heading from Dubai to Sharjah at night need a new plan in the coming days. Emirates Road E611 is closing in that direction every day from 1am to 5am, from Friday 30 October until Sunday 15 November 2026, so Etihad Rail can carry on with its infrastructure works, Khaleej Times reports.
The announcement came on the same day the national rail operator said it had sold 120,000 tickets in its first 30 days of full passenger service. Here is what the closure means for your drive, and where the train network stands one month in.
Key points
- Emirates Road (E611) closed from Dubai towards Sharjah, 1am to 5am daily
- Closure runs from Friday 30 October to Sunday 15 November 2026
- Etihad Rail sold 120,000 tickets between 30 September and 30 October
- Al Yalayis Station in Dubai now links to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station by footbridge
- Liwa, Madinat Zayed and Al Dhafra stations expected in the coming months, Sharjah in early 2027
Emirates Road E611 closure: times and who is affected
Etihad Rail announced the closure on its social media account. It covers the Dubai to Sharjah stretch of Emirates Road only, and only the early hours, when traffic is usually light. Still, anyone who drives between the two emirates late at night or before dawn will have to use another route.
Khaleej Times says the people most likely to feel it are shift workers, delivery drivers and travellers on their way to the airport. Etihad Rail apologised for the inconvenience and thanked the public for their understanding.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Road | Emirates Road (E611), Dubai to Sharjah direction |
| Hours | 1am to 5am, every day |
| Dates | Friday 30 October to Sunday 15 November 2026 |
| Reason | Etihad Rail infrastructure works |
This is not the first closure linked to the rail project. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure earlier announced a partial closure of Emirates Road towards Sharjah at Al Badea Bridge to build a temporary bridge for the line. In Sharjah, some major streets connecting Mleiha Road and Sharjah Ring Road near University Bridge were also closed for two months as part of the same work.
Authorities advise drivers to plan their routes ahead, follow diversion signs where they are in place, and check for updates from Etihad Rail and the road authorities before setting out, as closure details can change.
Etihad Rail sells 120,000 tickets in its first month
From 30 September to 30 October, Etihad Rail recorded 120,000 ticket sales across its passenger network, which connects Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah. According to Khaleej Times, the figure shows more residents choosing the train for trips between emirates.
“Our ambition is for passenger rail to become a natural part of everyday life, and a trusted choice that people return to time and again for comfortable, safe and reliable travel.”
Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial and Support at Etihad Rail Mobility
Almansoori said the strong first month reflected passengers’ confidence in the new way of travelling and the company’s commitment to keep improving its services.
The service opened in stages. The Abu Dhabi and Fujairah stations started on 30 June in the introductory phase. Dubai’s Al Yalayis Station and Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah followed on 30 September, which marked the official launch of the national passenger network. For fares and journey times from Dubai, see our guide to Etihad Rail in Dubai.
Getting to and from the stations
Etihad Rail works with transport partners so passengers can reach their final stop without much hassle:
- Dubai: a dedicated pedestrian bridge links Al Yalayis Station directly to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, giving access to the Red Line.
- Abu Dhabi: direct shuttle buses run from Mohamed bin Zayed City Station to ADNOC Headquarters on the Corniche, ADNEC Centre, Reem Mall, and hotels and attractions on Yas Island.
- Al Dhaid and Fujairah: other transport options are available through service providers at the stations.
Which stations open next
The stations in Liwa, Madinat Zayed and across Al Dhafra Region are expected to open over the next few months. The last station of the first phase will be in Sharjah, near University City, and is expected to start operating in early 2027. If you are new to the train, our explainer on what to expect from the Etihad Rail passenger train covers the basics.
Sources: Khaleej Times (E611 closure), Khaleej Times (ticket sales)
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