Miral, the Abu Dhabi destination developer behind Yas Island’s theme parks, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with national railway operator Etihad Rail to connect the island to the rail network through its free Yas Express shuttle buses.
The agreement gives passengers arriving at Etihad Rail Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed City Station a dedicated first- and last-mile link to Ferrari World Yas Island, Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Warner Bros. World Yas Island and SeaWorld Yas Island, putting the island’s main parks within a train-and-shuttle journey of visitors from elsewhere in the UAE and giving tour operators and DMCs a car-free option for Yas Island day trips and packages.
The companies did not give a start date for the expanded shuttle service. Yas Express already runs a free ER1 route from the station to Yas Mall, with three departures a day, according to The National.
“As Yas Island continues to welcome guests from across the UAE and beyond, making travel to and around the destination as seamless as possible remains a key priority,” said Lisa Goswell, senior vice president of sales at Miral Destinations. “Our collaboration with Etihad Rail represents an important step towards creating a more integrated journey, connecting rail travel with the Yas Express network to enhance accessibility and convenience for our guests.”
Adhraa Almansoori, executive director of commercial and support at Etihad Rail Mobility, said the company was focused on making passenger rail “a practical and convenient part of how people move across the country”. “Partnerships such as this enable us to strengthen first- and last-mile connectivity and make it easier for people to combine rail with other transport options as part of one seamless journey,” she said.
The partners will also explore future digital connectivity between their two transport systems, with the aim of creating an increasingly integrated journey from the rail network through to arrival on Yas Island. The MoU forms part of a longer-term strategic partnership under which Miral and Etihad Rail will look at further ways to integrate mobility and destination access.
Etihad Rail began passenger services between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi on June 30, and has since agreed with Etihad Airways to link air and rail travel in the UAE. Yas Island is also set to add to its draw with Sphere’s planned $1.7bn venue.
