Abu dhabi: 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, was present at a significant announcement regarding a new joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis. The partnership aims to introduce passenger rail services in the UAE, marking a pivotal development in the nation’s transportation landscape.
According to Emirates News Agency, this collaboration represents a major milestone for Etihad Rail, as it works toward delivering world-class rail services that will revolutionize travel within the UAE. The alliance with Keolis, an established leader in passenger transport across 13 countries, is set to combine international expertise with Etihad Rail’s state-of-the-art infrastructure to elevate passenger experiences to new heights.
The passenger services are slated to commence in 2026, aligning with Etihad Rail’s vision of modern, efficient, and customer-centered rail travel. This announcement took place during the Global Rail 2025 event in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with support from H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Azza Alsuwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, expressed enthusiasm about the venture, stating that the UAE stands on the verge of a transformative era in mobility. By partnering with Keolis, Etihad Rail aims to enhance its operational capabilities and deliver a seamless, high-quality travel experience. The joint venture is seen as a step forward in achieving a shared vision for the future of UAE transportation, with passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency at the forefront.
Marie-Ange Debon, Chairwoman and Group CEO of Keolis, also highlighted the importance of this strategic alliance. She emphasized the opportunity to integrate Keolis’ expertise in launching operations and providing service excellence with Etihad Rail’s robust infrastructure. The collaboration aims to offer safe and sustainable mobility solutions across the UAE, reinforcing Keolis’ presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and establishing a long-term partnership with Etihad Rail.
The joint venture will focus on implementing best practices and innovative solutions to ensure seamless operations. It will emphasize passenger comfort and convenience through modern amenities and services while promoting environmentally friendly transport options in line with the UAE’s sustainability objectives. Additionally, the partnership will support and build upon the foundational work already established by Etihad Rail, ensuring smooth integration and a sustainable trajectory for long-term success.
