In a strategic move to strengthen the UAE’s transport and tourism sectors, Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of destinations and immersive experiences, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network.
The partnership aims to enhance the passenger travel experience by providing integrated mobility solutions for visitors travelling to Yas Island, further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global destination for tourism and entertainment.
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Under the agreement, Miral and Etihad Rail will work to improve connectivity between Etihad Rail’s Mohammed bin Zayed City passenger station in Abu Dhabi and Yas Island, through integration with the island’s Yas Express bus network.
The MoU provides for the integration of the Abu Dhabi passenger rail station with Yas Express services, offering dedicated transport options to facilitate convenient travel to and from the station and establish a direct connection with Yas Island.
Enhancing integrated mobility options
The agreement will provide passengers with more convenient and accessible transport options between the UAE’s national passenger rail network and Yas Island.
Upon arriving at the Mohammed bin Zayed City station, rail passengers will be able to use Yas Express buses free of charge to reach some of the island’s world-renowned entertainment attractions, including Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; and SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Lisa Ghoswell, Senior Vice President of Sales at Miral Destinations, said: “Through this partnership, we are jointly supporting the UAE’s vision of developing a smarter and more sustainable mobility ecosystem while contributing to the continued growth of the tourism sector.”
Adhraa Al Mansoori, Executive Director of Commercial and Support at Etihad Rail Passenger Services, said: “This partnership will enhance mobility options to and from the station, connecting rail journeys with other modes of transport to deliver a smoother and more integrated travel experience.”
The partnership will also explore opportunities for future digital integration between the two transport systems, with the aim of further streamlining the passenger journey, from travelling by rail to arriving at Yas Island.
Bridging the first and last mile
A key focus of the new partnership is to strengthen first- and last-mile connectivity, ensuring a seamless and convenient journey for visitors travelling from across the UAE’s emirates via the Etihad Rail network to the entertainment and commercial destinations on Yas Island.
As part of this initiative, a complimentary shuttle bus service will connect Etihad Rail’s Mohammed bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi with Yas Island.
Designed to provide a direct and convenient transfer for arriving rail passengers, the service will connect visitors with the island’s major attractions and world-class entertainment experiences. It will reduce the need for complicated onward travel arrangements, making it easier for visitors to plan and enjoy their trips.
By integrating rail and bus services, the partnership seeks to make public transport a more practical and attractive option for visitors, while improving accessibility to one of Abu Dhabi’s most prominent leisure and tourism destinations.
Supporting sustainability and tourism growth
The partnership aligns closely with the UAE’s national sustainability objectives, particularly efforts to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging greater use of public transport and smart mobility solutions.
When travellers choose Etihad Rail as a sustainable alternative for journeys between the UAE’s emirates, the integration of rail services with dedicated transport links to Yas Island further enhances the efficiency of the wider public transport network.
The initiative is also expected to support tourism growth by making Yas Island’s attractions more accessible to domestic and international visitors. In addition to its globally recognised theme parks and entertainment venues, the island offers a wide range of hotels, shopping destinations and leisure facilities.
Improved connectivity is expected to enhance the visitor experience, encourage more people to explore the island and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness as a regional and international tourism hub.
By reducing the logistical challenges associated with travelling between the rail network and individual destinations, the partnership also supports a more convenient and connected visitor experience.
Digital integration and future opportunities
The agreement extends beyond the physical integration of rail and bus networks, laying the groundwork for a longer-term strategic partnership between Miral and Etihad Rail.
Both companies will explore opportunities for digital integration between their respective service platforms to deliver a more seamless and connected passenger journey.
Future developments could include integrated digital services enabling passengers to coordinate rail travel, onward transport and visits to entertainment attractions through a more unified booking experience.
Such initiatives would further enhance convenience for visitors to Abu Dhabi while supporting the emirate’s broader ambitions to develop an integrated, technology-enabled and sustainable transport and tourism ecosystem.
Through this collaboration, Miral and Etihad Rail are seeking to strengthen the links between public transport and tourism infrastructure, making Yas Island more accessible while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision for sustainable mobility, economic growth and world-class visitor experiences.