Real Estate Growth Near Etihad Rail
Real estate prices and rental prices in areas near the Etihad Rail in the UAE recorded double-digit growth in 2025, with further appreciation expected. Managers in the real estate industry predict that real estate values could increase by up to 25 percent, while rents can increase up to 15 percent.
Increased Rental Values
The rental values in areas near Etihad train stations have increased on average in the past nine months. Dubai Festival City recorded an outstanding increase of 23 percent, followed by an increase of 10 percent in Dubai South. Accessibility creates demand, and properties that are within a simple range of the new train stations will dominate a premium that is expected to be between 10 and 20 percent.
Real Estate Price Appreciation
With regard to real estate prices, the values in zones near Etihad train stations have increased by an average of 13 percent in the past nine months. Dubai Festival City near the Al Jaddaf Station led the increase with an impressive increase of 18 percent, followed by 17 percent of the Dubai South and Dubai Investments Park.
National Railway Project
The National Railway project of the United Arab Emirates will launch passenger services in 2026. After the operation, it will probably accommodate around 36.5 million passengers by 2030. The network will combine 11 cities and regions in all seven emirates over a distance of around 900 km.
Comparison with Dubai Metro
Drawing comparisons with the Dubai Metro Red Line, real estate within a five to 15-minute walking radius can expect a premium of 15 to 25 percent. This suggests that properties near Etihad train stations could also see significant increases in value.
Growing Buyer Interest
In view of the expectations of higher yields of real estate near train stations Etihad, investors’ interest increases because many try to use early entry opportunities. Agents are leading customers to strategic locations where they can enter the market early, with the expectation that demand will drive both sales prices and rent upwards.
Expected Price Increase
Residential properties near Etihad train stations could have a price increase of 15 to 25 percent within the first three to five years after operations start. The strongest growth will probably occur in areas that combine affordability with improved connectivity and attract both end-users and investors. This includes finished real estate that immediately benefits from better accessibility, as well as previously pre-transfer developments outside of the tarpaulin.
Rental Value Appreciation
Rental values near the stations are expected to increase by 10 to 15 percent in the next 12 to 24 months. This is driven by the improved connectivity and accessibility provided by the Etihad Rail network, making properties in these areas more attractive to tenants.
