Abu Dhabi, October 3, 2025: Etihad Rail unveiled a series of major initiatives at Global Rail 2025 in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing its position as a key player in the transformation of transportation infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The announcements highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation, technology integration, and passenger transport development as it moves toward the operational launch of its passenger rail services. One of the most significant developments was the launch of the Etihad Rail Innovation Centre (ERIC), which will serve as the UAE’s first national hub for mobility innovation.
The centre is designed to foster collaboration between industry partners, academic institutions, government entities, and startups. Etihad Rail confirmed that ERIC will focus on testing and deploying advanced technologies such as robotic inspection systems, energy-efficient magnetic rail solutions, and locally developed digital infrastructure tools. Etihad Rail also hosted the second edition of the Global Rail Innovation Awards during the event. A total of 242 entries were submitted this year, more than three times the number received in 2024.
The company awarded AED 1 million in grants to the top projects, which focused on areas including rail automation, emissions reduction, operational efficiency, and digitization of logistics. Winners presented their technologies at the exhibition, attended by local and international transport executives, engineers, and government representatives. In a major operational milestone, Etihad Rail signed a joint venture agreement with Keolis, a France-based global transport operator, to manage the operations of the UAE’s passenger rail network.
Scheduled to begin service in 2026, the passenger system is expected to connect major cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. The project anticipates handling up to 36 million passengers annually by 2030. The joint venture will combine Etihad Rail’s network infrastructure with Keolis’ global rail operations experience. The announcement was made in the presence of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail.
MoU with Yango Group aims to enhance logistics integration
Also announced at Global Rail 2025 was a Memorandum of Understanding between Etihad Rail and international logistics firm Yango Group. The agreement aims to explore integration opportunities between the Etihad Rail freight network and Yango’s transport and logistics services across the Gulf region. The partnership is part of broader efforts to expand multimodal connectivity and optimize supply chain operations within the UAE and beyond.
Global Rail 2025, held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, featured participation from over 100 exhibitors and multiple government and industry delegations. The event concluded with several strategic agreements signed and discussions focused on rail sustainability, safety, and smart mobility solutions. Etihad Rail also showcased details of its passenger service, including its fleet of trains designed for speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour and equipped with modern amenities.
New initiatives align with UAE Vision 2031 and Net Zero 2050
The service will initially operate between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, with stops planned in key cities along the route. The passenger service is expected to significantly reduce travel time across the emirates and provide a sustainable alternative to road transport. The announcements at Global Rail 2025 mark a pivotal step for Etihad Rail as it transitions from freight-only operations to a fully integrated national rail network offering both cargo and passenger services.
The company continues to advance projects aligned with national development goals, including the UAE Vision 2031 and the Net Zero 2050 initiative. Global Rail 2025 concluded on Thursday after three days of exhibitions, panel discussions, and bilateral meetings. Industry leaders noted the event’s expanded scale compared to its inaugural edition in 2024, highlighting increased international collaboration in rail sector development. – By Content Syndication Services.