Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, has successfully wrapped up the inaugural Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition & Conference (Global Rail) 2024. During the event, a total of 10 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements were signed with international firms specializing in railways, transportation, and infrastructure, aimed at shaping the future landscape of these sectors.
The exhibition was conducted with the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of Etihad Rail.
Held in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI), ADNEC Group, and dmg events, the event revolved around the theme “Setting Transport Infrastructure and Global Connectivity in Motion.”
Among the notable agreements:
- MoU with Presight AI Technologies LLC: This agreement with the UAE-based artificial intelligence and big data analytics firm aims to integrate advanced digital solutions into Etihad Rail’s operations. By harnessing Presight AI’s expertise in generative AI and smart logistics, the partnership will improve efficiency and productivity across various business units.
- MoU with RITES Ltd.: This collaboration with the Indian public sector enterprise focuses on exploring synergies in railway and infrastructure development in the UAE and the wider region, including rolling stock supply and consultancy services.
- MoU with KNR and KORAIL: Etihad Rail has partnered with Korea National Railway and Korea Railroad Corporation to facilitate technical exchanges and collaboration in railway construction, project management, and operations.
- MoU with Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ): This partnership seeks to exchange knowledge in railway planning and operations, with an emphasis on intermobility and sustainable practices.
- MoU with L&T Technology Services Limited: This agreement aims to establish a National Mobility Innovation Center in Abu Dhabi, promoting sustainable and intelligent transportation solutions.
- MoU with IronLev: The collaboration with IronLev will investigate integrating magnetic levitation technologies to enhance rail operations, aiming for faster and more energy-efficient transport solutions.
- MoU with Nevomo: This partnership will explore the implementation of autonomous rail solutions in the UAE’s railway sector.
- MoU with Hitachi: Etihad Rail and Hitachi Rail will work together to improve communication systems for future passenger services and to implement Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) technology across the national rail network.
- MoU with SBS Transit: This agreement focuses on utilizing mobility solutions and AI applications to advance the UAE’s railway sector.
The event featured a Strategic Conference that addressed innovative policy frameworks for enhancing the railway sector’s value, as well as a Technical Conference showcasing cutting-edge research and developments.
Over 80 panel sessions were held, drawing participation from more than 150 international speakers, including leaders from transport, finance, technology, and mobility sectors. Discussions aimed at overcoming challenges related to financing and innovation in transport infrastructure.
Additionally, the Global Rail exhibition included a Finance Pavilion, providing a platform for financiers and stakeholders to discuss funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.
An International Projects Pavilion and Innovation Hub were also part of the exhibition, empowering entrepreneurs and experts in R&D to showcase transformative technologies and advancements in the transport and logistics sectors.
