Etihad Rail Expands Smart Parking Network
Etihad Rail has partnered with Q Mobility and Parkin PJSC to develop and operate smart parking facilities across its passenger station network. The agreement aims to make station access easier while supporting a more integrated transport system in the UAE.
The strategic partnership was announced on October 1, 2026. It will introduce digital parking management across the railway network. Moreover, the partners will use artificial intelligence, data and digital technologies to manage parking infrastructure and related services.
The first phase covers passenger stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah. Under the agreement, Q Mobility will operate parking facilities at the Abu Dhabi, Al Dhaid and Fujairah stations. Meanwhile, Parkin will operate the facility at Etihad Rail’s Dubai station.
Smart Parking Expands Across Rail Network
The partnership establishes a unified framework for parking management across Etihad Rail stations. Consequently, passengers will have access to digital payment options and a more consistent parking experience.
The system will also use technology to improve traffic flow and parking capacity. In addition, data and artificial intelligence will support operational management across the participating facilities.
The initiative is designed to strengthen connections between road and rail travel. Therefore, passengers can use private vehicles to reach stations and continue their journeys by train.
Etihad Rail said the partnership will enhance access to stations as its passenger network expands. Azza Alsuwaidi, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Rail, said the arrangement supports greater convenience, flexibility and mobility options for passengers.
The agreement comes as Etihad Rail expands passenger services across the UAE. Passenger services began on June 30, 2026, with routes connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. Subsequently, the Dubai and Al Dhaid stations opened on September 30.
Q Mobility and Parkin Take Operating Roles
Q Mobility will manage parking operations at three stations during the first phase. These include Abu Dhabi, Al Dhaid and Fujairah. In contrast, Parkin will oversee the Dubai station and deploy its digital parking solutions there.
Mohamed Husain Karmastaji, CEO of Q Mobility, said the company will work with Etihad Rail and Parkin on an integrated parking management model. Furthermore, he highlighted the use of innovation, data and artificial intelligence to support smart mobility.
Mohamed Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, said the partnership will integrate smart parking services into the UAE’s national transport network. He added that Parkin will use digital solutions to simplify vehicle access and payments at the Dubai station.
Etihad Rail’s existing passenger guidance states that vehicles can be detected automatically when entering and leaving station car parks. The applicable fee is then calculated based on the station, entry time, and parking duration.
Supporting Integrated UAE Mobility
The parking initiative forms part of the UAE’s broader effort to connect different modes of transport. As a result, rail passengers will have more options for reaching stations and continuing their journeys.
The partnership also comes as Etihad Rail prepares to further expand its passenger network. The company plans to open Zayed City and Liwa stations on November 30, 2026. Further stations in the Al Dhafra region are scheduled to follow in December, while Sharjah Station is planned for March 2027.
Meanwhile, the unified parking approach is intended to improve coordination between parking services and rail operations. Digital payments, automated access and data-driven management can therefore support smoother movement around stations.
Overall, Etihad Rail, Q Mobility and Parkin are establishing a parking framework alongside the UAE’s expanding passenger railway network. The partnership links road access, parking technology and rail services within a broader national mobility system.
