The Etihad Rail, anticipated to transport over 60 million tonnes of freight and 36.5 million passengers by 2030, connecting the seven emirates from the Saudi Arabian border to the Oman border, will support the UAE’s economic development.

The developer and operator of the UAE’s national rail network have now signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with SNCF, Alstom, Progress Rail, and Thales. These agreements cover important areas like rail operations and maintenance, service facilities, passenger stations, and cargo transportation while ensuring the integration of the newest technologies.

“Through partnering with some of the biggest names in the rail, cargo, and transportation industry, we assure our clients that we are developing the UAE National Rail Network as per the highest international standards to meet their requirements and support them in meeting their business objectives, driving a sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective supply chain,” said Ahmed Al Musawa, executive director of the Passenger Sector at Etihad Rail.

While Etihad Rail and SNCF International, France’s national state-owned railway company, will cooperate in many areas of shared interest, Alstom, a global leader in the green and smart mobility sector, will integrate cutting-edge services and technologies into the railroad sector. 

Etihad Rail and Alstom will cooperate in railway innovations, from incubation to commercialization, including innovative sustainability in train technology, mobility, and integration solutions between various modes of transportation.

Meanwhile, Thales will work together in a number of areas under the terms of the agreement, including new generation rail control, European Train Control System Level 3, driver advisory system, intelligent traffic operation, asset management, real-time passenger flow, data-driven operation control center, video analytics, connectivity and passenger entertainment system, booking and ticketing system, and mobility and integration solutions between various modes of transportation.

Additionally, Progress Rail, a supplier of railroad and transit products and services worldwide, will work with Etihad Rail to develop and deploy an autonomous, zero-emissions port-to-port concept, which might lay the groundwork for future rail operations around the world. 

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