Keolis and Etihad Rail to launch UAE passenger services in 2026

As partner in a joint venture with Etihad Rail, Keolis contributes its passenger-operations expertise and is to build up the passenger service on the network.

Etihad Rail, which runs the UAE national network, and Keolis presented a joint venture for future passenger services at the Global Rail 2025 fair in Abu Dhabi. Passenger operations are due to begin in 2026; Keolis cites experience in 13 countries, and no financial details are given. The date is a placeholder: the article names only the year 2026, not a start day. Announced on 8 Oct 2025 (LOK Report, 8 Oct 2025) Update (30 June 2026): Etihad Rail began passenger services on 30 June 2026; the first train ran from Al Hilal City in Fujairah to Mohamed bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi (The National, 30 June 2026).