Abu dhabi: Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the United Arab Emirates' national railway network, has signed a strategic agreement with Keolis International to establish a joint venture responsible for operating passenger trains in 2026. Passenger numbers across the Etihad Rail network are expected to exceed 36 million by 2030.

According to Emirates News Agency, Laurence Broseta, International Chief Executive Officer of Keolis Group, expressed her pride in the strategic partnership between Etihad Rail and France's Keolis, a global leader in passenger transport. Speaking on the sidelines of the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Broseta highlighted the collaboration's potential to leverage advanced infrastructure and expertise in launching new operations to provide safe and sustainable mobility solutions across the UAE.

Broseta noted that the agreement marks a significant milestone in the development of rail passenger services in the UAE. She emphasized that the joint venture aims to set new benchmarks for passenger experience by adopting international best practices and introducing advanced services that enhance comfort and convenience.

The partnership is also aligned with the UAE's sustainability goals, focusing on delivering eco-friendly mobility solutions and integrated operations. Broseta highlighted that the launch of passenger rail services by 2026 will be a transformative step for the nation's transport sector, reinforcing the UAE's position as a global leader in future-ready infrastructure.