Etihad Rail has signed a strategic agreement with France’s Keolis International to establish a joint venture that will operate passenger trains across the UAE starting in 2026, marking a major milestone in the nation’s transport sector.
Passenger numbers on the network are projected to exceed 36 million by 2030.
The announcement was made during the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, where Laurence Broseta, International CEO of Keolis Group, highlighted the importance of the collaboration. She described the partnership as a step toward delivering safe, sustainable, and world-class mobility solutions tailored to the UAE’s growing needs.
Broseta emphasized that the joint venture will combine Etihad Rail’s advanced infrastructure with Keolis’s global expertise in passenger transport. The partnership aims to introduce international best practices, enhance travel comfort, and set new standards for service quality.
The project is expected to play a key role in advancing the UAE’s sustainability agenda. By providing eco-friendly alternatives to road travel, the passenger rail service will support the country’s long-term environmental and infrastructure goals while easing urban mobility pressures.
The launch of passenger services in 2026 is set to transform travel between major cities across the Emirates, strengthening the UAE’s position as a global leader in modern and future-ready transport infrastructure.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
