SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Charting a track towards a more connected world and exploring sustainable, and interconnected mobility solutions, the inaugural Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference (GRTIEC) commenced on Tuesday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
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.
Running until October 10, the conference is expected to attract over 10,000 attendees and feature 100 exhibitors. The event features both strategic and technical sessions, with participation from over 150 senior representatives and industry leaders.
The discussions cover legal issues, project finance, rail innovation, and decarbonisation, aiming to enhance collaboration, drive economic growth, as well as strengthen supply chain resilience in the rail transport industry.
Adhraa Almansoori, Director of Public Policy & Sustainability at Etihad Rail, shared her excitement for the inaugural Global Rail conference in a statement to Aletihad.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome all our esteemed guests to the first edition of Global Rail. We are excited to cover multiple aspects on this platform, including technological advancements in the railway industry and investment opportunities,” she said.
Almansoori noted that the event’s focus extends beyond the regional context to ensure that all countries collaborate to adopt the best technologies and projects moving forward.
She added that the conference features various exciting pavilions, including Finance, Innovation, and International Projects, and covers strategic, technical, and investment discussions over a span of three days.
Eng. Mohamed Fikri, Director of the Road Transport and Land Transport Affairs Department at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI), said that the Ministry collaborates with international organisations in the railway sector, preparing memoranda of understanding and agreements with other countries in coordination with Etihad Rail.
He highlighted the MOEI’s crucial role as a federal authority that enacts laws and regulations governing railways, particularly in train operations through the provision and approval of railway safety permits.
Furthermore, Fikri mentioned the Ministry's collaboration with the GCC Railways Authority, which enhances railway connectivity among GCC countries.
He also noted that the Ministry strives to ensure that all fundamentals related to security, safety, standards, and operations align with the best international practices. “Our legislation is designed to reflect global trends in train operation, safety, and emissions reduction," he added.
As an exhibitor, Mohammad Al Shabrami, Director General of the GCC Railways Authority, discussed the GCC railway project with Aletihad.
He said the Authority has been established to oversee the GCC Railway Project, which is expected to be fully operational by December 2030.
The estimated total length of the GCC railway project is 2,177 kilometers, connecting all GCC member states, he said.
The route begins in Kuwait, traverses Dammam, and connects to the Kingdom of Bahrain via a planned causeway. It continues from Dammam to Qatar and from Saudi Arabia to the UAE finally reaching Muscat via Sohar in Oman, he added.
Designed to accommodate passenger trains travelling at speeds of up to 220km/h, and freight trains at speeds between 80-120 km/h, the project utilises diesel traction and adheres to the highest international technical specifications and standards, according to Al Shabrami.
While parts of the project have already been completed in some member states, work continues to finish the remaining sections.
“There is no doubt that this project will enhance the trade between the GCC countries, accelerate economic activity, reduce emissions, and create job opportunities for GCC citizens,” Al Shabrami said.