Etihad Rail Conducts Passenger Train Trials Linking Al Ghuwaifat and Abu Dhabi
Etihad Rail has successfully conducted passenger train trials on the route connecting Al Ghuwaifat station, located on the Saudi Arabia border, with Al Faya station in Abu Dhabi. The trial was carried out in coordination with the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi (ADCMC) as part of a broader effort to enhance national transport resilience and ensure service continuity during emergencies.
The newly trialed route is strategically significant, strengthening geographical connectivity between the UAE and Saudi Arabia while supporting the smooth flow of goods and passenger movement to and from key ports. It will facilitate mobility for both nationals and residents and enable authorities to activate alternative transport routes when required, in line with approved emergency response plans.
Strengthening Transport Resilience and Continuity
Officials emphasized that the initiative reflects proactive planning and inter-agency coordination aimed at ensuring business continuity, logistical security, and the readiness of national infrastructure under varying circumstances.
Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi, Director General of ADCMC, highlighted that the preparedness of the transport network forms a critical part of the UAE’s comprehensive emergency response framework.
“The flexibility of the transport sector is vital to societal stability as it is directly linked to the continuity of essential services,” Al Nuaimi said. “We continue to monitor developments and assess indicators around the clock to enhance Abu Dhabi’s preparedness and reinforce public confidence in the effectiveness of the response ecosystem.”
Etihad Rail’s Commitment to Operational Readiness
Eng. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail, noted that the passenger service trial between Al Ghuwaifat and Al Faya demonstrates the flexibility and readiness of the UAE’s national railway network.
“The operation of passenger services as part of the trial showcases our ability to ensure the continuity of vital services under all conditions,” Al Shehhi stated. “This initiative follows the directives of our wise leadership to strengthen the national transport ecosystem and its strategic role in supporting society, under the ongoing guidance of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”
He added, “We are proud to support joint response efforts alongside government authorities, providing safe, reliable, and well-organized transport solutions that ensure sustainability and stability across the national transport network.”
Advancing National Infrastructure Readiness
The trial aligns with Abu Dhabi’s proactive and adaptive governance approach, where timely operational decisions and risk assessments are transformed into practical measures that sustain essential services. It also underscores the emirate’s commitment to maintaining mobility, reinforcing infrastructure resilience, and ensuring preparedness for various scenarios.
By integrating transportation planning with emergency response and risk management frameworks, the Etihad Rail trial marks another milestone in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to build a robust, future-ready transport system.
