Etihad Rail has operated a passenger train on the route between Al Ghuwaifat station, on the border with Saudi Arabia, and Al Faya station in Abu Dhabi, as part of trial runs conducted under a broader package of measures to maintain service continuity amid the current regional situation.
The move was carried out in coordination with the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi (ADCMC) and forms part of what officials described as an effort to strengthen preparedness and enhance response efficiency in light of an evolving security environment.
The route between the two stations holds significance in terms of geographical connectivity between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. According to officials, it supports movement to and from key ports and facilitates mobility for both nationals and residents of the UAE.
UAE national railway activates emergency passenger route linking Al Ghuwaifat to Al Faya
The activation of the route also enables the relevant authorities to put alternative transport corridors into operation in line with approved emergency response plans, as part of what officials characterised as a multi-scenario risk management framework.
Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the ADCMC, said the development of transport options was a component of a wider response ecosystem.
The flexibility of the transport sector is vital to societal stability, as it is directly linked to the continuity of essential services, he added.
Al Nuaimi added that all decisions were being managed within “clear governance frameworks and integrated coordination mechanisms across vital sectors,” and affirmed that the Centre would continue to monitor developments and analyse indicators around the clock to reinforce public confidence in the response ecosystem.
“The operation of passenger services between Al Ghuwaifat and Al Faya as part of the trial demonstrates the readiness and flexibility of the UAE’s national railway network, which is designed to ensure the continuity of vital services in all circumstances. This initiative follows the directives of our wise leadership to strengthen the national transport ecosystem and enhance its strategic role in supporting society, under the ongoing guidance of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail,” Eng. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail said.
“We are proud to support the joint response efforts led by the relevant authorities, providing safe, reliable, and well-organised transport solutions at a time when the continuity of the national transport ecosystem is crucial. Our teams continue to work closely with government partners to maintain sustainable operations and deliver dependable transport services, enhancing traffic flow and supporting the readiness of the national transport ecosystem,” he added.
Officials described the activation of the passenger route as a demonstration that Abu Dhabi’s response framework goes beyond preventive measures and field coordination. The operation of the route, they said, reflects an institutional approach based on advance planning and the timely activation of alternative options, with the aim of strengthening infrastructure resilience.
The service also illustrates, officials said, how risk assessments are translated into practical solutions to support vital sectors and maintain service continuity during periods of change.
