Etihad Rail has entered a strategic joint venture with global transport leader Keolis International to operate passenger train services across the UAE starting in 2026. The partnership aims to set new benchmarks in passenger experience while supporting the country’s sustainability goals, with projected passenger numbers expected to exceed 36 million by 2030.
Etihad Rail and Keolis joint venture: A new era for passenger transport in the UAE
Etihad Rail, the national railway network developer and operator of the UAE, has formalized a strategic agreement with France-based Keolis International. This joint venture is tasked with launching and managing passenger rail services across the country starting in 2026. The partnership leverages Keolis’ global expertise in passenger transport and Etihad Rail’s advanced rail infrastructure to create a safe, efficient, and customer-focused mobility solution for the UAE.Laurence Broseta, International CEO of Keolis Group, expressed pride in this collaboration during the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Speaking to Emirates News Agency, she emphasized the partnership’s significance, noting it will “strengthen our presence in the Gulf region and lay the foundation for a long-term partnership with Etihad Rail.” Broseta also highlighted the venture’s alignment with international best practices aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and convenience, underscoring the joint venture’s role in delivering sustainable mobility solutions that contribute to the UAE’s environmental objectives.
Etihad Rail mobility: Operational excellence and comprehensive services
The joint venture, named Etihad Rail Mobility, will create a new company responsible for operating the passenger rail service. Azza Alsuwaidi, Deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, described this as a “bold step” forward in the country’s transportation development. Alistair Gordon, CEO of Keolis UK, Middle East, and India, further explained that the company will not only operate the trains but also manage connected transport services, including buses, taxis, cars, and parking facilities, facilitating seamless passenger movement across the UAE.In preparation for the 2026 launch, the company plans to recruit and train all necessary staff by the end of the next year, ensuring operational readiness. This comprehensive approach is designed to guarantee smooth, efficient, and high-quality service from day one.
Raising standards with Etihad Rail and Keolis expertise
By combining Etihad Rail’s world-class railway infrastructure with Keolis’ experience operating transit systems in 13 countries—including the Dubai Metro and Tram—the partnership is positioned to establish new international standards in passenger rail service. Marie-Ange Debon, Chairwoman and Group CEO of Keolis, emphasized the venture’s commitment to service excellence, stating, “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.”Azza Alsuwaidi noted that Keolis’ proven success in managing complex rail networks while maintaining high passenger satisfaction makes it an ideal partner. “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,” she said.
About Keolis
Keolis International is a world-renowned passenger transport operator with extensive experience managing rail and urban transit systems across 13 countries. The company is known for delivering high-quality, safe, and sustainable mobility solutions, combining innovation with customer-focused service. In the UAE, Keolis operates the Dubai Metro and Tram, showcasing its expertise in managing complex rail networks in the region. This strong track record makes Keolis a trusted partner for Etihad Rail as they collaborate to launch passenger rail services across the UAE.
Etihad Rail network expansion and future outlook
Since beginning freight operations in 2016 on the Shah-Habshan-Ruwais route, transporting granulated sulphur, Etihad Rail has built a strong safety and sustainability record. The recent completion of network expansion in 2023 inaugurated the UAE National Railway Network, which now covers approximately 900 kilometers stretching from Ghuwaifat near the Saudi border to Fujairah on the eastern coast.The network integrates 11 terminals, including major commercial and industrial hubs and key ports such as Ruwais Inland Terminal, Ruwais Port, ICAD, Khalifa Port, Dubai Industrial City (DIC), Jebel Ali Port, Al Ghail Dry Port, Fujairah Port, Ghuwaifat Terminal, Shah Terminal, and Habshan Terminal.With the freight network fully operational, Etihad Rail is now focusing on introducing passenger services that will utilize this extensive infrastructure. Forecasts estimate passenger numbers across the network to exceed 36 million by 2030, highlighting the significant role rail transport will play in the UAE’s future mobility landscape.