Abu Dhabi to Host Global Rail Conference: Etihad Rail Event Set to Shape Future of Transportation”

Abu Dhabi is gearing up to host a significant railway conference in October, set to be a pivotal event in the global rail transport calendar.

The three-day Etihad Rail event is poised to draw approximately 15,000 decision-makers, 1,000 delegates, and over 300 exhibiting companies from more than 40 countries, according to the emirate’s media office. Scheduled from October 8 to October 10 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the event is expected to delve into various themes, including the next generation of rail transport, smart systems, and the integration of artificial intelligence in railway automation.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court, the conference will witness the participation of over 120 speakers, including policymakers, government officials, institutional leaders, and railway experts. Among the topics to be explored are environmental considerations, financing, logistics, and advanced security and safety measures in railways.

The conference is organized by Etihad Rail, which is currently operationalizing its freight network capable of transporting 60 million tonnes of goods annually. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, chairman of Etihad Rail and a member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, highlighted the significance of the event in fostering collaboration and driving the development of the regional transport and logistics sector.

Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasized the pivotal role of the railway sector in shaping the future vision of the UAE and the GCC. He underscored the importance of Global Rail in facilitating partnerships and agreements to support the region’s transportation and logistics sector’s future growth.

The event is distinct from the pre-existing Middle East Rail conference and coincides with Etihad Rail’s notable progress. Earlier this month, plans were unveiled for a new Etihad Rail passenger service station in Sharjah, aiming to significantly increase passenger capacity to about 14,000 individuals per day during the week.

The Etihad Rail passenger network’s ambitious goal is to connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE, spanning from Al Sila to Fujairah, with stops in Sharjah, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Fujairah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. While the commencement date for the UAE-wide passenger rail service is yet to be confirmed, the freight network is already operational, marking significant strides in the country’s transportation infrastructure development.