WITH flights in the Middle East largely grounded due to the conflict in Iran, Etihad Rail of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) confirmed on March 3 that it had evacuated more than 350 people on three special trains operated between Ghuweifat on the border with Saudi Arabia and Al Faya in Abu Dhabi.
The line is yet to officially open to passenger traffic and Etihad Rail is currently conducting trials ahead of the expected launch of commercial services later this year. The special trains were arranged to evacuate citizens and residents of the UAE attempting to return to the country from Saudi Arabia but unable to do so due to the suspension of flights in the region.
Etihad Rail worked with the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi (ADCMC) on the initiative and said in a statement on social media that the success of the operation “reflects the resilience and operational agility of the UAE’s national railway network.”
Local media reported that Etihad Rail introduced additional safety and emergency measures to ensure passenger safety on the trains. The company’s chief projects officer, Mohammed Al Shehhi, says that additional services will be scheduled “as required” until flights return to their regular schedules. Partial services resumed at airports across the region on March 3.
“This effort demonstrates a flexible and responsive operating framework capable of swift action during emergencies,” Etihad Rail says. “Such readiness is the result of long-term strategic planning and sustained investment in integrated national infrastructure, translating a leadership vision that places people at the forefront of its priorities.”
