Abu dhabi: The second edition of Global Rail, hosted by Etihad Rail, has concluded with several new partnerships and strategic collaborations formed. This year’s event significantly surpassed the success of its inaugural edition, launching innovative and strategic initiatives poised to ensure a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable network of global rail connectivity.
According to Emirates News Agency, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and with the support of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, Global Rail 2025 has fostered unprecedented international collaboration, seeking to reshape the map of global rail and intermodal transport. Held under the theme of “Driving the Future of Transport and Global Connectivity,” the conference served as a pivotal platform for new agreements between many industry leaders in global rail, formalizing a more connected and integrated rail sector.
Etihad Rail led the way with major announcements, signing eleven agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading entities. These represent substantial investments in rail innovation and infrastructure, including new collaborations and joint ventures in passenger operations and technology, knowledge exchange, exploring first and last mile solutions, and identifying investment opportunities.
The MoUs and agreements included a joint venture with Keolis to introduce UAE passenger rail services by 2026, combining advanced infrastructure with international expertise to deliver an unparalleled passenger experience. An MoU with Mermec aims to strengthen collaboration in rail diagnostics and signalling technologies. Meanwhile, RITES LLC will explore potential investment and business collaboration opportunities, leveraging their expertise in consultancy and transport infrastructure.
Further agreements with MOEI and TAMM focus on advancing national innovation goals and strengthening digital platform integration, respectively. The Ministry of Railway Transport of Turkmenistan will cooperate in knowledge sharing and technology testing. A collaboration with Masdar will explore transport solutions for the green hydrogen value chain across the UAE.
An ambitious agreement with Abu Dhabi Customs, Fujairah Customs, and other entities aims to establish a secure customs corridor between Khalifa Port and Fujairah Port, enhancing logistics services. Yango will enhance collaboration for integrated first and last mile solutions, while Dubai Taxi Company will provide integrated transport services at Etihad Rail stations.
Finally, VIA and United Trans will integrate Etihad Rail’s services into Citymapper, offering seamless end-to-end trips across the UAE.
Commenting on the success of these partnerships, H.E. Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, highlighted the conference’s role as a platform for driving improvements in efficiency, resilience, sustainability, and profitability in the interconnected world of rail transport.
Another major highlight of Global Rail 2025 was Etihad Rail’s comprehensive innovation drive, led by the launch of the Etihad Rail Innovation Centre. This regional hub fosters cross-functional collaboration between industry, academia, startups, and government and features Centres of Excellence for rail innovation. The event also included the second Global Rail Innovation Awards and a Youth Hackathon, reinforcing the UAE’s role in shaping the future of global rail.
Over 200 speakers contributed to the event, which included panel discussions, fireside chats, and expert dialogues, alongside the major announcements. The event emerges at a crucial time when the rail sector is poised for transformation, driven by the UAE’s innovations in transport and the country’s growing influence in the future of global connectivity.
