Taking your pet on Etihad Rail? Here are the rules UAE travellers need to know
Cats, dogs and falcons among others are permitted subject to these strict conditions
DUBAI – Pet owners travelling on Etihad Rail will be able to take domestic animals on board, but strict conditions will apply from the start of passenger services in Dubai.
Cats, dogs, falcons and other domestic pets must remain inside an approved carrier throughout the journey. Each passenger can take one pet carrier, subject to a maximum size of 55cm by 40cm by 23cm.
The rules are particularly relevant as Dubai joins the Etihad Rail passenger network on September 30. Dubai Al Yalayis Station will begin operations alongside Al Dhaid Station, expanding the network beyond the current Abu Dhabi and Fujairah route.
Carrier rules
Etihad Rail treats a pet carrier as the passenger’s standard carry-on baggage allowance. This means travellers cannot bring a pet carrier as well as a separate cabin carry-on bag.
The carrier must remain with the passenger, while the pet must stay inside it for the entire journey. Travellers are also responsible for keeping their animals under control and complying with wider baggage and safety requirements.
Passengers aged three and above are normally entitled to two free luggage items, comprising a personal item and one carry-on bag under the passenger baggage rules. When travelling with a pet, the carrier occupies the carry-on allocation.
The main pet travel requirements are:
- One pet carrier is permitted per passenger.
- The carrier must be approved and measure no more than 55cm x 40cm x 23cm.
- Pets must remain inside the carrier for the full journey.
- The carrier counts as the passenger’s standard carry-on baggage.
- A separate carry-on cabin bag cannot be taken alongside the pet carrier.
- The passenger must keep the pet under control.
- Aisles, doors and emergency exits must remain clear.
- Oversized belongings that obstruct passenger movement or storage areas are not permitted.
Trained and certified Assistance Dogs are covered by separate provisions. Passengers travelling with an Assistance Dog must arrange the journey in advance through Etihad Rail’s Contact Centre.
Dubai launch
Dubai Al Yalayis Station will open to passengers on Wednesday, September 30. Located in Jumeirah Golf Estates near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, the station will initially connect Dubai with Mohammed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, with the published journey time at about 57 minutes.
The station is also being integrated with Dubai’s existing public transport network. A dedicated pedestrian bridge is being built to connect Al Yalayis with Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, providing a link with the Dubai Metro Red Line.
The station’s catchment area includes Al Furjan, Dubai Investment Park, Green Community, Dubai Production City, Expo City Dubai and Dubai South. Al Maktoum International Airport is about 30 minutes away by road, depending on traffic.
Al Yalayis is part of a wider rail expansion in Dubai, which includes plans for another national passenger station and two stations associated with the separate Dubai to Abu Dhabi high-speed rail project.
Etihad Rail network
Etihad Rail began paid passenger services between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi on June 30. During the introductory phase, six daily services operated, with the full journey taking one hour and 45 minutes.
Demand has grown ahead of the Dubai opening. Etihad Rail recorded more than 70,000 ticket sales by August 3, with customers booking journeys an average of 12 days before travel.
The passenger network will continue expanding in stages. Madinat Zayed and Liwa stations are scheduled to open on November 30, followed by the remaining Al Dhafra stations on December 30. Sharjah Station is scheduled to enter service on March 30, 2027, completing the currently announced rollout sequence.
Current passenger services provide guaranteed seating, wireless internet, charging points at every seat and dedicated luggage space. Premium Class is also available on the introductory service.
Passengers are responsible for managing their own belongings and ensuring that luggage does not block aisles, doors or emergency exits. For pet owners, the carrier size, one-carrier-per-passenger limit and replacement of the standard carry-on allowance apply under the current Passenger Charter rules.\