Etihad Rail has operated special passenger train services from the UAE–Saudi border to Abu Dhabi, transporting more than 350 Emiratis and residents stranded abroad due to regional airspace disruptions.

Three trains ran from the Al Ghuwaifat border crossing to Al Faya station in Abu Dhabi after Iranian air strikes led to airspace closures and reduced flight capacity across parts of the region.

The rail operator said additional journeys were scheduled for Wednesday, with more services to be deployed if required.

“This operation highlights the flexibility of the UAE’s national railway network and its strategic role in supporting mobility and serving the community under various circumstances by providing safe and reliable transport alternatives,” said Mohammed Al Shehhi, Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail.

He added that operations would continue in coordination with relevant authorities until air traffic resumes and flights return to normal.

The passenger services were carried out in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre (ADCMC), as part of efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and response efficiency.

Matar Al Nuaimi, director general of the centre, said deploying the passenger service ahead of its official launch demonstrated the UAE’s ability to mobilize infrastructure quickly to meet urgent needs.

“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,” he said.

Etihad Rail said in a post on X that the operation reflects the resilience and operational agility of the UAE’s national railway network.

The trains were able to carry passengers despite the national rail system not yet being officially open to the public, following a successful trial run earlier on Tuesday.

Al Ghuwaifat is one of 11 stations planned for the nationwide railway network, which is expected to open later this year. Al Faya serves as the main rail depot in Abu Dhabi and has hosted multiple trial runs as construction across the Emirates nears completion.