Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, has signed a strategic partnership with Keolis International to form a joint venture to operate passenger train services starting in 2026.
The move comes as Etihad Rail prepares for a major expansion, with passenger numbers projected to surpass 36 million annually by 2030.
Laurence Broseta, International Chief Executive Officer of Keolis Group, expressed pride in the newly announced strategic partnership between Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s National Railway Network, and France’s Keolis, a global leader in passenger transport.
Broseta said that, “We are extremely proud of our strategic partnership with Etihad Rail. We will leverage its advanced infrastructure alongside our expertise in launching new operations and delivering high-quality services to provide safe and sustainable mobility solutions across the country. This collaboration strengthens our presence in the Gulf region and lays the foundation for a long-term partnership with Etihad Rail.”
The CEO of Keolis Group made the remarks to Emirates News Agency on the sidelines of the opening of the second edition of the Global Rail 2025 exhibition and conference, focused on railways, transport, and infrastructure, in Abu Dhabi.
Broseta noted that the agreement marks a major milestone in the development of rail passenger services in the UAE, emphasizing that the planned joint venture will set new benchmarks for passenger experience by adopting international best practices and introducing advanced services that enhance comfort and convenience.
The CEO further stressed that the partnership will also support the UAE’s sustainability goals by delivering eco-friendly mobility solutions and integrated operations. She highlighted that the launch of passenger rail services by 2026 will represent a transformative step for the nation’s transport sector and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global leader in future-ready infrastructure.
