Etihad Rail And Keolis Announce Joint Venture For UAE Passenger Rail Services Set To Launch In 2026
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and Chairman of Etihad Rail, attended a significant announcement. Etihad Rail has partnered with Keolis to launch passenger rail services in the UAE. This collaboration aims to transform rail travel across the country by leveraging Keolis' global expertise and Etihad Rail's infrastructure.
The announcement took place during Global Rail 2025 in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The event highlighted the strategic partnership between Etihad Rail and Keolis, which is set to redefine passenger travel in the UAE. The new services are expected to commence in 2026, marking a pivotal moment for the nation's railway network.
Marie-Ange Debon, Chairwoman and Group CEO of Keolis, expressed pride in this strategic alliance with Etihad Rail. She stated that Keolis will utilise its expertise to enhance service excellence and provide safe, sustainable mobility solutions across the UAE. This partnership strengthens Keolis' presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and signifies a long-term commitment with Etihad Rail.
The joint venture will prioritise several key areas such as implementing best practices for seamless operations and ensuring passenger comfort through modern amenities. Additionally, it will promote environmentally friendly transport solutions aligning with the UAE's sustainability goals. These efforts aim to enhance the foundational work already established by Etihad Rail.
Azza Alsuwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, commented on this transformative phase for UAE mobility. She emphasised that under H.H. Sheikh Theyab's guidance, this venture represents a bold step towards launching passenger services nationwide. Partnering with Keolis enhances operational readiness with high efficiency levels.
Keolis is renowned for managing complex rail networks safely while prioritising passenger satisfaction. Its success both locally and globally makes it an ideal partner for Etihad Rail's objectives. This collaboration is not just about building railways but shaping future transport in the nation.
The partnership aims to create an international standard for passenger experience by combining Keolis' proven track record across 13 countries with Etihad Rail's world-class infrastructure. The introduction of these services will mark a significant milestone in modernising rail travel within the UAE.
This joint venture is designed to deliver world-class rail services that will redefine how people travel across the country. By focusing on efficiency and customer-centric solutions, it seeks to transform travel experiences and improve quality of life in the UAE.
The collaboration between Etihad Rail and Keolis sets a new benchmark for passenger rail services in the region. It underscores a commitment to innovation and sustainability while ensuring seamless integration into existing transport frameworks for long-term success.
With inputs from WAM
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