Falcons board Etihad Rail as UAE prepares for Liwa Station passenger services
Special journey examines handling, safety and security arrangements
ABU DHABI – The Etihad Rail has taken a unique step towards the launch of passenger services at Liwa Station, hosting Emirati falconers and their falcons on a dedicated trial journey from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah.
The journey was held as part of operational preparations ahead of the station’s scheduled opening on 30 November 2026. It allowed Etihad Rail teams to assess how falcons could be accommodated within stations and onboard passenger trains while examining related safety and security procedures.
The trial brought together Emirati falconers, their birds and several young participants in a controlled operational environment. Etihad Rail’s operations, safety and security teams supervised the journey, while the participating falconers provided the specialist equipment and arrangements needed for handling and caring for the falcons.
Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial at Etihad Rail Mobility, said the experience was designed to reflect the UAE’s cultural identity while supporting the development of its national mobility network.
The initiative also provided an opportunity for falconers to share their knowledge with Etihad Rail teams, particularly on the specialist requirements involved in transporting and handling the birds.
.@Etihad_Rail has hosted a group of Emirati falconers and their falcons for a trial journey to assess operational, safety, and security considerations associated with handling falcons at stations and onboard trains ahead of the launch of services at Liwa Station on 30 November… pic.twitter.com/b6Mk1hUnKx
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) September 25, 2026
Jassim AlHammadi, one of the participating falconers, said falconry was a heritage passed down from fathers and grandfathers and that the experience allowed participants to share their expertise in handling falcons.
The presence of young participants added an intergenerational element to the journey, supporting the continued transmission of falconry knowledge and skills within Emirati society.
Falconry has a longstanding place in Emirati heritage and is closely linked to the UAE’s desert environment and traditions. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, supported efforts to preserve the practice and pass it on to future generations.
Falconry is also inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Liwa Station
The trial comes ahead of the opening of Liwa Station on 30 November, bringing passenger rail services to a region strongly associated with falconry and other traditional practices. Once services begin, Liwa will be connected to cities and destinations across the UAE through the national railway network, improving access to its cultural landmarks, heritage attractions and community events.
The trial also comes as Etihad Rail continues to examine how its passenger services can accommodate different travel requirements. Under the current Passenger Charter, passengers must comply with provisions governing the transportation of pets onboard passenger services.
Etihad Rail said lessons from initiatives such as the falcon trial could contribute to the future exploration of more suitable and sustainable solutions for travelling with animals, including falcons, while maintaining safety, security and passenger comfort.