Etihad Rail operates special services from Al Ghuwaifat to Abu Dhabi amid regional unrest / Photo: File
In a historic and rare step, the national railway network in the UAE has transformed from a shipping giant into a lifeline for citizens and residents. While Etihad Rail is primarily known for transporting sulfur and heavy goods across the desert, it focused its operations this week to operate three “exceptional” passenger services.
This emergency mission was launched to facilitate the safe return of people stranded near the Saudi-UAE border, proving that the railway network is more than just an industrial asset, it is an essential pillar of the country’s emergency response infrastructure.
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Etihad Rail operates 3 passenger train services
On 3 March 2026, Etihad Rail confirmed that it had operated three exceptional passenger train services to facilitate the safe return of UAE citizens and residents from the Saudi border to Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Rail has activated these special services in coordination with the Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Center in Abu Dhabi as part of the precautionary mobility measures introduced during the continued regional airspace and travel disruptions.According to the official update shared by Etihad Rail, the trains transported passengers from Al Ghuwaifat station in the Al Dhafra region, which is the main railway gateway near the Saudi border, to Al Faya station in Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Rail operated the three flights exceptionally; They were not part of the passengers’ regular schedule. The authorities have arranged these services to ensure the return of residents in an orderly, safe and efficient manner, reducing reliance on long-distance road travel and facilitating movement at a critical time.This move highlights the operational preparedness of the UAE’s national railway network, which can be quickly mobilized to support national emergency response efforts when needed.
Route details
The trains transport passengers from Al Ghuwaifat Station, located in the Al Dhafra region near the Saudi border, to Al Faya Station in Abu Dhabi.Al Ghuwaifat is considered a strategic gateway linking the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by railway. The exceptional services ensured that residents who crossed the border area or were located near it were able to return safely to Abu Dhabi without relying only on land transportation.This step reflects the increased operational readiness of the UAE’s national railway network in times of need.
Coordination with Abu Dhabi authorities
The operation was carried out in direct coordination with the emergency management authorities in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the integration between transportation infrastructure and crisis response planning.By deploying rail services quickly and efficiently, the authorities were able to manage passenger movement in an orderly manner, reducing pressure on highways and enhancing public safety.This collaboration demonstrates how railway infrastructure is increasingly becoming a key pillar of national emergency preparedness strategies.
Looking forward
The exceptional services underscore Etihad Rail’s operational flexibility and the broader resilience of the UAE’s transport network.As the country continues to expand passenger rail connectivity, these coordinated responses show how railways can play a key role not only in daily mobility and logistics but also during exceptional circumstances.The three services represent an important example of how infrastructure, planning and rapid coordination work together to ensure the safety and comfort of residents when it matters most.