Etihad Rail has signed ten MoUs and agreements with international companies specialising in railways, transport, and infrastructure, aiming to shape the future of the transport and infrastructure sector.
Among the strategic partnerships was an MoU between Etihad Rail and Austrian Federal Economic Chamber to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange in the railway sector. This partnership will focus on sharing best practices and expertise in key areas such as railway planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and technology. The collaboration also aims to explore opportunities in intermobility, high-speed rail, and sustainable railway practices, further strengthening ties between the UAE and Austria in rail development and innovation.
Among the signed agreements include one with Hitachi Rail to explore collaboration on enhancing 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 United Arab Emirates. This initiative also supports the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy by providing a sustainable alternative to road transport.
Additionally, the two companies have entered into a cooperation agreement to integrate Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) technology into the UAE’s rail infrastructure. This advanced solution will help create a smart platform that simplifies passenger transport, streamlines journey management, and connects urban and rural areas through a unified rail and mobility network.
Etihad Rail also signed a MoU with Korea National Railway (KNR) and Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail) to foster a multifaceted collaboration encompassing technical exchanges, knowledge sharing, and joint efforts in railway construction, project management, operations, facility maintenance, and rolling stock. The partnership aims to drive innovation and best practices in rail infrastructure development, leveraging the expertise of all three organisations.
With Indian company RITES and agreement was signed to explore potential synergies and collaboration, unlocking opportunities in railway and infrastructure development in the UAE and wider region. This includes the supply and leasing of rolling stock, as well as consultancy and project management for railway development.
To develop autonomous rail solutions, Etihad Rail partnered with Nevomo to explore the potential of implementing cutting-edge solutions for enhanced efficiency and sustainability in the UAE’s railway sector. The collaboration will focus on identifying potential use cases for Nevomo’s Magrail Booster Technology, particularly in ports, logistics, and freight operations.
Another agreement based on technology was signed with IronLev under which will be explored the integration of IronLev’s unique passive ferromagnetic levitation system, which operates without complex and costly infrastructure, into Etihad Rail’s operations. The partnership aims to unlock the potential of faster, more energy-efficient, and smoother transportation solutions for the UAE, potentially transforming the future of rail transport in the region and beyond.
Etihad Rail signed an MoU with Presight AI, an UAE-based artificial intelligence and big data analytics company, to identify and implement cutting-edge digital solutions across Etihad Rail’s operations. This strategic collaboration will leverage Presight AI’s expertise in generative AI, smart transport, and logistics to enhance Etihad Rail’s efficiency, productivity, and overall digital transformation. The partnership will focus on developing and deploying AI-driven solutions for capital planning, corporate excellence, and other key business units, positioning Etihad Rail at the forefront of AI-powered innovation in the railway industry.
Etihad Rail signed an MoU with Singapore’s public transport operator SBS Transit to leverage mobility solutions and AI applications in developing the railway sector in the UAE and the region. The agreement also explores future collaboration opportunities in this field.
Etihad Rail has signed an MoU with L&T Technology Services Limited (LTTS) to explore the joint establishment and operation of a National Mobility Innovation Centre in Abu Dhabi. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate the development and adoption of cutting-edge physical and digital solutions for a more sustainable, inclusive, and intelligent transportation ecosystem. The centre will also focus on fostering talent and expertise in rail, mobility, and related fields through research, collaboration, and commercialisation initiatives.
All the MoUs and agreements were signed at the Setting Transport Infrastructure and Global Connectivity in Motion conference hosted by Etihad Rail in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, ADNEC Group, and dmg events, during the first edition of Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition & Conference (Global Rail) 2024.
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