Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, has concluded the first edition of the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference (Global Rail) 2024.

The event saw the signing of 10 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements with international companies specializing in railways, transport, and infrastructure, all aimed at shaping the future of the transport and infrastructure sector.

Hosted by Etihad Rail in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI), ADNEC Group, and dmg events, the event was themed “Setting Transport Infrastructure and Global Connectivity in Motion.”

Among the key partnerships was an MoU with Presight AI, a leading UAE-based artificial intelligence and big data analytics company, to explore and implement cutting-edge digital solutions across Etihad Rail’s operations. This strategic collaboration will leverage Presight AI’s expertise in generative AI, smart transportation, and logistics to enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall digital transformation.

Another MoU was signed with RITES Ltd to explore potential synergies and collaboration, unlocking opportunities in railway and infrastructure development in the UAE and the wider region. This includes the supply and leasing of rolling stock, as well as consultancy and project management for railway development.

An agreement with Korea National Railway (KNR) and Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) aims to foster multifaceted collaboration, encompassing technical exchanges, knowledge sharing, and joint efforts in railway construction, project management, operations, facility maintenance, and rolling stock.

Additionally, an MoU was signed with the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange in the railway sector across key areas such as railway planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and technology. The partnership also aims to explore opportunities in intermobility, high-speed rail, and sustainable railway practices.

Moreover, an agreement with L&T Technology Services Limited will establish a National Mobility Innovation Centre in Abu Dhabi, focusing on enabling talent and expertise in rail, mobility, and related fields through research, collaboration, and commercialization initiatives.

An MoU was also signed with IronLev to explore magnetic levitation technologies to enhance rail operations by integrating IronLev’s passive ferromagnetic levitation system into Etihad Rail’s operations. This partnership aims to unlock faster, more energy-efficient, and smoother transportation solutions for the UAE.

Additionally, a signing with Nevomo will investigate autonomous rail solutions, focusing on identifying potential use cases for Nevomo’s Magrail Booster Technology, particularly in ports, logistics, and freight operations.

A partnership with Hitachi will enhance communication systems and cybersecurity for future passenger transport services via the UAE’s national rail network. Under this partnership, Hitachi Rail will equip Etihad Rail’s future passenger stations with advanced communication systems, including oversight and cybersecurity solutions, to improve station management, enhance passenger safety, and facilitate seamless travel between major cities in the UAE. The two companies have also agreed to integrate Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) technology into the UAE’s rail infrastructure.

MoU with SBS Transit, a multi-modal public transport operator in Singapore, to leverage mobility solutions and AI applications in developing the railway sector in the UAE and the region.