In response to current regional developments and the resulting disruption to travel, Etihad Rail transported more than 350 passengers before the official launch of the passenger rail service. The exceptional service operated between Al Ghuwaifat Station in the Al Dhafra region and Al Faya Station in Abu Dhabi.
The service was delivered through a structured and carefully managed mechanism, with the immediate activation of approved safety protocols and emergency plans to ensure smooth and secure operations.
Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi (ADCMC), said, "The operation of the passenger service prior to its official launch demonstrates a high degree of institutional flexibility, based on the effective redeployment of available capabilities to address societal priorities, without compromising long-term operational plans or the UAE’s logistical security. It confirms the national ecosystem’s capacity to take timely and well-considered operational decisions, grounded in real-time risk assessments in light of current circumstances.”
Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi further added that the move reflects the strategic importance of the UAE’s national railway network and its high levels of efficiency, reliability, and operational readiness under varying conditions.