Multiple MoUs signed will reshape the global map of rail mobility
The second edition of Global Rail, hosted by Etihad Rail, has concluded with several new partnerships and strategic collaborations formed. This year’s event significantly surpassed the success of its inaugural edition, launching innovative and strategic initiatives poised to ensure a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable network of global rail connectivity, according to a press release.
Global Rail 2025 has fostered unprecedented international collaboration, seeking to reshape the map of global rail and intermodal transport. Held under the theme of “Driving the Future of Transport and Global Connectivity”, the conference has served as a pivotal platform for new agreements between many industry leaders in global rail, formalizing a more connected and integrated rail sector.
Etihad Rail led the way with major announcements, signing of 11 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading entities, representing substantial investments in rail innovation and infrastructure, including new collaborations and joint ventures in passenger operations and technology, knowledge exchange, exploring first and last mile solutions, and identifying investment opportunities.
MoUs and agreements included:
Keolis: Joint venture established to introduce UAE passenger rail services, with operations in 2026. This strategic partnership combines Etihad Rail’s advanced infrastructure with Keolis’ international expertise to deliver an unparalleled, customer-centric passenger experience, prioritising comfort, convenience, and environmentally friendly transport solutions, thereby setting a new international standard for rail travel across the nation.
Mermec: MoU to strengthen collaboration in rail diagnostics and signalling technologies, by leveraging Mermec’s expertise in innovative systems and solutions. The cooperation will identify opportunities to generate revenue through the development of new freight and passenger railway networks in the region as well as upgrading existing infrastructure with advanced monitoring systems.
RITES India: MoU to explore potential investment and business collaboration opportunities. This partnership aims at leveraging RITES’ expertise in consultancy, transport infrastructure, and engineering solutions, coupled with the execution capabilities of Etihad Rail, thereby creating synergies for shaping infrastructure projects in the region.
MOEI: MoU to advance national innovation goals through knowledge exchange and joint efforts in regulatory policy and research, in addition to collaborating on foresight studies, digital transformation, and best practices to drive competitiveness and agility in the sector.
TAMM: MoU to strengthen digital platform integration and customer services within both passenger and freight rail offerings. Areas of collaboration include technical platform alignment and leveraging TAMM’s digital reach for expanded ticket distribution, targeted communication campaigns, and optimized customer service, in addition to advancing freight offerings to support economic growth and improve customer access.
Ministry of Railway Transport of Turkmenistan: MoU to foster cooperation in railway transport, focusing on knowledge sharing, conducting feasibility studies, testing new technologies, and exploring other areas of mutually beneficial collaboration to drive growth in the railway sector.
Masdar: Collaboration to explore transport solutions for the green hydrogen value chain across the UAE and assess opportunities to utilize Etihad Rail’s national network for transporting green hydrogen and its derivatives, supporting the UAE’s energy transition and sustainable economic growth.
“Global Rail 2025 serves as a vital platform for bringing together rail ecosystem partners, driving improvements in efficiency, resilience, sustainability, and profitability in our interconnected world, concluded Shadi Malak, CEO, Etihad Rail.
