Printed on
October 2, 2025
Etihad Rail has formally partnered with Keolis Worldwide to create a 50:50 three way partnership, Etihad Rail Mobility (ERM), which is able to function passenger rail companies throughout the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This collaboration represents a serious step ahead within the UAE’s transportation improvement, with industrial passenger companies anticipated to start in 2026. The enterprise goals to supply high-speed, dependable, and environment friendly rail journey for commuters and vacationers, complementing the present UAE transport community and supporting the nation’s broader financial and infrastructure targets.
Preliminary Operations and Community Growth
Passenger companies will launch first on the Abu Dhabi–Dubai hall, which has been recognized because the highest-demand route. Over time, companies will broaden eastwards to Sharjah and Fujairah, step by step overlaying extra of the UAE’s inhabitants facilities. The whole community will ultimately prolong from Al Sila within the west to Fujairah on the east coast, connecting cities corresponding to Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Al Dhaid. Estimated journey occasions are 57 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, 1 hour 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, and 1 hour 10 minutes from Ruwais to Abu Dhabi, providing a fast and comfy different to street journey.
Trendy Fleet and Passenger Capability
ERM will function a fleet designed for each pace and luxury. This consists of seven diesel trains able to 200 km/h equipped by CAF, together with 4 five-car diesel trains from CRRC Qingdao Sifang, every capable of carry 400 passengers in premium and economic system courses. Prepare deliveries are at the moment underway, with one unit already conducting testing on the community. The fleet is designed to satisfy anticipated demand whereas sustaining excessive requirements for security, effectivity, and passenger consolation.
Workers Mobilisation and Experience
Keolis is already mobilizing its operational staff to make sure a clean launch of passenger companies. A managing director has been appointed, and recruitment and coaching of operational employees can be accomplished by mid-2026. Keolis brings in depth expertise from launching and working rail tasks in rising and developed markets, together with Hyderabad (India), Rennes (France), Boston (USA), Adelaide (Australia), and the Dubai Metro. Workers can be educated to handle every day operations, guarantee passenger security, and supply high-quality customer support, drawing on Keolis’ experience in managing large-scale rail operations.
Infrastructure and Station Growth
Etihad Rail stays chargeable for sustaining the UAE rail community and adapting it for passenger use. This consists of connecting newly constructed stations to the present community and guaranteeing full operational readiness. A number of stations are nearing completion, and Etihad Rail will oversee upkeep and station administration as soon as companies begin. This integration ensures seamless operations and positions the community as a dependable, long-term transport answer.
First- and Final-Mile Connectivity
To reinforce passenger comfort, Keolis is creating first- and last-mile transport options, together with partnerships with native transport suppliers and its personal premium shuttle companies. Moreover, a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) app is being developed, offering journey planning, ticketing, and reserving capabilities for passengers. This digital platform is anticipated to enhance accessibility and make rail journey extra user-friendly, serving to appeal to commuters and vacationers alike.
Strategic Background and Future Alternatives
The partnership between Etihad Rail and Keolis displays a mannequin much like Etihad Rail’s earlier collaboration with German Rail (DB) throughout the preliminary part of freight operations. Discussions for the three way partnership have spanned a number of years, culminating within the official settlement signed on the International Rail Occasion in Abu Dhabi.
Laurence Broseta, CEO of Keolis Worldwide, highlighted that the three way partnership may broaden its actions as soon as passenger companies are operational, probably exploring further regional alternatives and worldwide collaborations. This imaginative and prescient underscores the UAE’s dedication to turning into a regional hub for contemporary, high-quality rail transport.
Conclusion
The Etihad Rail–Keolis three way partnership represents a transformative improvement within the UAE’s transport infrastructure. By 2026, passengers can anticipate high-speed rail companies connecting key cities with trendy trains, built-in stations, and digital reserving options. The undertaking not solely enhances mobility but in addition helps financial progress, tourism, and sustainable transport initiatives, positioning the UAE as a frontrunner in revolutionary passenger rail companies within the Center East.