The UAE has just unveiled its first road-rail ambulance, a dual-mode emergency vehicle that can operate both on highways and directly on railway tracks, promising faster access to patients in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
Developed locally by UAE-based safety solutions firm Naffco, the ambulance combines standard American-spec emergency medical features with an innovative rail gear system inspired by locomotive engines. The system, installed at the front of the vehicle, allows the ambulance’s tires to lift so it can run entirely on rail tracks, making it possible to travel through desert terrain and isolated regions where conventional ambulances struggle.
The launch comes as the UAE–Saudi railway network is rapidly expanding, led by Etihad Rail’s 900-kilometre freight line linking Ghuweifat on the Saudi border to Fujairah. Etihad Rail’s upcoming passenger service, set to open in phases this year, will connect 11 stations across all seven emirates. The network also forms a key part of the wider GCC Railway project, which aims to link all six Gulf countries by 2030.
Naffco said the road-rail ambulance could significantly strengthen emergency response along rail corridors and across borders, especially as rail connectivity increases across the region.
Despite its specialized mobility, the ambulance is fully equipped for emergency care. It includes oxygen and vacuum systems, DC and AC power supplies, medical storage cabinets, insulated windows, and foldable access steps. Medical equipment onboard includes a main stretcher, stair chair, folding and scoop stretchers, an automated external defibrillator, portable ventilator, trauma kits, and other essential life-saving tools.
The vehicle is manufactured in the UAE, with only select rail system components imported from Europe, highlighting local production capabilities. Authorities see the innovation as a step forward in emergency healthcare preparedness, particularly for remote desert and rail-linked locations.
