His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Courtroom for Growth and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, Chairman of Etihad Rail, attended the announcement of a landmark three way partnership between Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE Nationwide Railway Community and Keolis, a world-renowned chief in passenger transport, to introduce its passenger rail providers within the UAE. This partnership marks a big milestone in Etihad Rail’s mission to ship world-class rail providers that may redefine the best way individuals journey throughout the nation.
Drawing on Keolis’ worldwide experience and confirmed observe report throughout 13 international locations, mixed with Etihad Rail’s world-class infrastructure, this partnership is designed to create a brand new worldwide normal for passenger expertise.
Passenger providers will launch in 2026, marking a big milestone in Etihad Rail’s imaginative and prescient for contemporary, environment friendly, and customer-centric rail journey, and the historical past of the UAE’s railway community.
The announcement was made throughout World Rail 2025, held in Abu Dhabi below the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Courtroom, with the help of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Courtroom for Growth and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, Chairman of Etihad Rail.
Commenting on the partnership, Azza Alsuwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, stated: “The UAE is on the cusp of a dynamic new period in mobility, and at Etihad Rail we’re proud to be driving this transformation below the steering of our Chairman, His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This three way partnership marks a daring step ahead in the direction of launching passenger providers within the nation. By partnering with Keolis, an organisation that matches our imaginative and prescient and objectives, we’re enhancing our operational readiness with the best ranges of effectivity.
Keolis brings intensive experience in safely and effectively managing complicated rail networks, whereas conserving passenger satisfaction as a precedence. Its confirmed success each regionally and globally makes it the best companion for what we goal to realize. This partnership is about greater than constructing railways; it’s about shaping the way forward for transport in our nation and setting the stage for the launch of our passenger providers in 2026. We’re decided to supply a seamless, world-class rail service that may remodel the journey expertise and improve the standard of life within the UAE.”
Marie-Ange Debon, Chairwoman and Group Chief Govt Officer, stated: “We’re extraordinarily happy with this strategic partnership with Etihad Rail. We are going to leverage their high-quality rail infrastructure by bringing our experience in launching new operations and delivering service excellence to supply a protected and sustainable mobility resolution throughout the United Arab Emirates. Alongside our operation inside the Gulf Cooperation Council area, this new contract reinforces our place as a trusted companion and marks the start of a long-term dedication with Etihad Rail.”
The three way partnership will give attention to a number of key areas, together with implementing finest practices and progressive options to ascertain seamless operations, prioritizing passenger consolation and comfort by means of fashionable facilities and providers, and selling environmentally pleasant transport options that align with the UAE’s sustainability objectives. Moreover, the partnership will help and improve the foundational work already laid by Etihad Rail, guaranteeing easy integration and a sustainable path towards long-term success.
With this partnership, each organisations reinforce their dedication to ship distinctive providers and unlock new worth for passengers and communities within the UAE. The collaboration is greater than an operational step, it’s a strategic leap towards a linked, dynamic, and people-first rail future within the Emirates.
