Global Rail begins 8 October under patronage of Mansour bin Zayed

The inaugural Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference (Global Rail) is set to take place from 8th to 10th October at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the event is organised by Etihad Rail, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and dmg events.

This flagship event will bring together over 150 senior representatives from across the global transport value chain, including ministers, industry leaders, and stakeholders. With over 10,000 attendees expected, Global Rail will feature more than 100 exhibitors from around the world, providing a comprehensive platform to engage with key players across the transport and infrastructure sectors.

In a press briefing held earlier today, Etihad Rail announced the distinguished speakers, strategic themes, and partners for this landmark event. The briefing was attended by Omar Alsebeyi, Executive Director of Commercial and Performance, and Salman Abou Hamzeh, Senior Vice President at dmg events.

Global Rail will feature both a Strategic and Technical Conference, bringing together high-level ministerial participation, global C-suite executives, visionaries, and industry leaders. This collective will chart a course for realising rail’s full potential as a driver of sustainable and interconnected global transportation. Among the high-profile speakers confirmed for the event are Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Óscar Puente, Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility – Spain; Lee Seong-hai, Chairman and CEO – Korea National Railways; Hamad Issa Abdullah, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary of Land Transport – Qatar; Shadi Malak, CEO – Etihad Rail; and Abdul Muhsen Ibrahim Kalbat, CEO of the Rail Agency, RTA – UAE. These thought leaders, along with other experts, policymakers, operators, and innovators, will offer attendees insights into the critical changes shaping the industry.

The industry leaders represent companies such as Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, RENFE-Operadora, Systra, Alstom, RITES Infrastructure, Arup, CAF, Iryo, Globalvia, Siemens Mobility, HyperloopTT, Ineco, Presight, and Progress Rail.

The multi-faceted Global Rail conferences will span three days, featuring a mix of panel discussions, fireside chats, case studies, and project updates. The discussions will cover several themes across the transport ecosystem, including legal matters, project finance, consulting, rail operators, railway infrastructure contractors, strategic investment frameworks for infrastructure funding, logistics, rolling stock, rail academics, high-speed rail, technology and AI, the transition to rail, and decarbonisation.

At the Strategic Conference, global leaders will explore how cross-sector and cross-border collaboration can unlock rail’s full value. Discussions will focus on innovative policy frameworks aimed at boosting innovation, driving economic growth, enhancing supply chain resilience, and supporting decarbonisation efforts. The Technical Conference will spotlight the adaptation of cutting-edge R&D and disruptive solutions enabling rail innovation. Experts from industry, research institutions, and academia will present approaches to revolutionising rail in areas such as innovation in construction and infrastructure, high-speed rail, digital rail, passenger experience, supply chain resiliency, rolling stock innovation, safety and security, and urban planning. These efforts aim to drive smarter cities and multimodal networks across the entire transport ecosystem.

Sheikh Nasser Al Qasimi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Regulation Sector at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said, “Hosting the inaugural edition of Global Rail in Abu Dhabi signifies the UAE’s rising prominence as a leader in transport, logistics, and infrastructure development. This significant gathering would not be possible without the support and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose vision and commitment to transport innovation continue to drive the industry forward.” He added, "The transport sector is at a critical juncture, with the convergence of new technologies and sustainability mandates reshaping how we move goods and people. Global Rail will serve as a platform for thought leaders and decision-makers to collaborate and drive solutions for a more sustainable future."

Omar Alsebeyi, Executive Director of Commercial & Performance at Etihad Rail, commented, “Global Rail will bring together the world’s foremost leaders and experts to discuss critical topics within the global transport landscape. As rail infrastructure becomes a central pillar in addressing global connectivity, Etihad Rail is bringing this vital conversation to Abu Dhabi. With the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the support of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, this event will drive global industry collaborations, reinforcing our leadership’s commitment to positioning the UAE as a global hub for sustainable transportation solutions.”

Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, remarked, “The introduction of Global Rail in Abu Dhabi represents a landmark moment for the global transportation industry. Global Rail sets a promising outlook for unlocking critical trade corridors with international partners. The distinguished line-up of speakers from the ministerial level to divisional specialists underscores the significance of learning from countries with established rail networks, as we aim to drive rail as a preferred mode of transport in the region and beyond. The discussions at Global Rail are expected to set new benchmarks in industry practices and propel the vision of a more sustainable and efficient transport ecosystem worldwide.”

Global Rail will feature a Finance Pavilion, designed to connect financiers with infrastructure project developers. This dedicated space will provide a platform for investors, project developers, and stakeholders to discuss financing opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and unlock funding solutions to advance the transport sector. The Innovation Hub will complement the Finance Pavilion, offering opportunities to connect with rail entrepreneurs and R&D pioneers, showcasing disruptive technologies, cutting-edge digital solutions, and advancements poised to revolutionise mobility, transportation, and logistics.

Global Rail will also showcase the industry’s commitment to innovation and progress through its line-up of key partners and sponsors. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) is the exclusive Finance Pavilion Headline Sponsor, while Abu Dhabi Airports, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Transport (ADT), the Road and Transport Authority (RTA), and DP World are also among the event’s sponsors. Gold sponsors include DP World, while Silver sponsors include Alstom, Hatch, and Jacobs, with Arup serving as Knowledge Partner.

Global Rail will provide a platform for attendees to engage in insightful discussions, explore cutting-edge technologies, and foster collaborations that will shape the future of the rail transport sector.