Etihad Rail has announced the introduction of the United Arab Emirates’ first passenger rail service, which will be operated by Keolis.
The partnership aims to create ‘a new international standard for passenger experience’ by combining Keolis’ experience with Etihad Rail’s infrastructure.
Focusing on several key areas; the joint venture will also look to implement best practices, as well as establish strong operations that prioritise passenger comfort and convenience.
Azza Alsuwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, said:The UAE is on the cusp of a dynamic new era in mobility, and at Etihad Rail we are proud to be driving this transformation under the guidance of our Chairman, His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
This joint venture marks a bold step forward towards launching passenger services in the nation. By partnering with Keolis, an organisation that matches our vision and goals, we are enhancing our operational readiness with the highest levels of efficiency.
Keolis brings extensive expertise in safely and efficiently managing complex rail networks, while keeping passenger satisfaction as a priority. Its proven success both locally and globally makes it the ideal partner for what we aim to achieve. This partnership is about more than building railways; it is about shaping the future of transport in our nation and setting the stage for the launch of our passenger services in 2026.
We are determined to provide a seamless, world-class rail service that will transform the travel experience and enhance the quality of life in the UAE.
Marie-Ange Debon, Chairwoman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Keolis, said:We are extremely proud of this strategic partnership with Etihad Rail. We will leverage their high-quality rail infrastructure by bringing our expertise in launching new operations and delivering service excellence to offer a safe and sustainable mobility solution across the United Arab Emirates.
Alongside our operation within the Gulf Cooperation Council region, this new contract reinforces our position as a trusted partner and marks the beginning of a long-term commitment with Etihad Rail.
The country’s new passenger rail service is expected to begin service in 2026.
