Etihad Rail held a recognition ceremony this week crediting the partners it says were central to delivering the UAE’s national passenger railway ahead of schedule, in what the company describes as a project completed in under five years.
Awards were presented by CEO Shadi Malak to a group of contractors, consultants and designers including National Projects Construction, National Infrastructure Construction Company, Jacobs, Dorsch Holding GmbH, Unique Options N Interior Designs, and Certifier S.A, alongside members of Etihad Rail’s own projects team.
The ceremony also drew attention to the broader network of firms enabling operations. French passenger operator Keolis holds a joint venture stake in Etihad Rail Mobility, and has been responsible for establishing operational procedures, safety practices, and the integration of systems ahead of launch.
Hitachi Rail served as master systems integrator, delivering telecommunications, supervision, cybersecurity, and passenger-facing ticketing and payments systems across stations. Rolling stock has been supplied by Spanish manufacturer CAF and Chinese rail equipment maker CRRC.
Etihad Rail has received Safety Authorisation from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the regulatory approval required before passenger services can begin. The ministry confirmed the network’s infrastructure and operations meet the UAE’s railway safety requirements.
“Under the guidance of the UAE’s leadership, we are delivering infrastructure that not only serves today’s needs but helps shape the nation’s future. Passenger rail is a powerful example of that vision in action, creating new connections between communities, supporting economic prosperity, and contributing to a more sustainable and connected UAE. Together with our partners, in less than five years, we have delivered a project that has moved from national vision to a reality that people can now experience for themselves. Delivering this railway ahead of schedule reflects what can be achieved through true collaboration, as each partner has played a critical role in shaping a network that will connect people, communities and opportunities across the UAE for generations to come,” Eng. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Chief Projects Officer at Etihad Rail said in a statement.
“The launch of passenger rail services in the UAE marks a defining moment — not just for Etihad Rail Mobility, but for the future of sustainable mobility across the region. From day one, our teams have been committed to delivering a world-class passenger experience that meets the highest standards of safety, reliability and comfort. This is what Keolis does best: we bring together deep operational expertise and a passenger-first approach to make rail the mode of choice. We are proud to be at the heart of this milestone alongside Etihad Rail,” Frédéric Van Heems, Keolis Group Chairman and CEO added.
“We are proud to contribute to the UAE’s bold vision for a modern, sustainable, and technologically advanced mobility network. Guided by the visionary leadership of Etihad Rail, our long-term partnership has been built on trust, reliability, innovation, and an uncompromising commitment to safety. As passenger operations begin, we are honored to celebrate this landmark milestone together, marking the start of a new era of safe, reliable, and sustainable rail transport that will enhance connectivity, support the nation’s continued growth, and create lasting value for communities across the UAE,” Christian Andi, Corporate Officer Hitachi Ltd – Head of Signalling and Rail Solutions Hitachi Rail further explained.
Passenger services will launch in phases, beginning with the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah route on June 30, 2026. The network is ultimately planned to connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE.
