UAE – 11 May 2022:  Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE national railway network, is set to host the 16th edition of Middle East Rail to outline the roadmap for transforming the transportation & logistics industries in the region. 

 

Under the patronage of Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Department of Culture and Tourism, Middle East Rail will be taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on 17-18 May 2022.

 

The event, which is the largest transport event in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, will bring together leaders of the entire transportation community, forward-thinking senior executives, key decision makers, and government representatives to convene, discuss the most pressing topics in the global railway and transportation sector, and highlight the latest innovations in the industry.

 

Middle East Rail will bring together more than 600 VIPs, government officials, transport and infrastructure industry experts from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as well as 6000 attendees, more than 200 speakers, and more than 250 exhibitors.

Following the launch of the UAE Railways Programme by the UAE government in December 2021, which will be the largest integrated system for transporting goods and passengers across the country, Middle East Rail 2022 will provide a platform to support and drive the growth of ambitious transportation projects across rail, infrastructure, freight, and logistics.

 

To support achieving a smart and clean transportation system, Middle East Rail 2022 will include conference presentations, panels and interviews on connected and intelligent systems, automated and safe processes, Internet of things (IoT) and data analysis, sustainable operations and more. The event will showcase the latest rail innovations and technologies, and generate business opportunities in the rail, logistics, and transportation industry through facilitating networking opportunities and engaging discussions. 

 

Middle East Rail 2022 will include dedicated conferences that provide more than 50 hours on sustainability, digital innovation and innovative mobility, across the two days of the event. It will also include more than 50 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certified workshops and seminars, which aims at highlighting the latest challenges operating in the region to the engineering community who are building world class projects. In addition, attendees will have a chance to explore more than 100 startups operating in the smart mobility ecosystem, their new products, and innovations. 

 

His Excellency Eng. Hassan Mohamed Juma Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs, said: “There has been a key focus from the UAE’s wise leadership on the land transport sector, particularly the rail industry. Hosting Middle East Rail 2022 consolidates the UAE’s excellence in the transport infrastructure and logistics industries, in order to achieve sustainable development. As a leading event in the railway sector, Middle East Rail 2022 will play a significant role in creating new opportunities for developing the industry. The event will bring together government officials, experts, and entrepreneurs, as well as the private sector, enhancing means of cooperation, exchanging knowledge and expertise, and showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in this vital field, which accelerates sustainable development and supports national economies, social cohesion, and commercial agreements.” 

 

'The UAE government has launched major projects to support the transportation sector, particularly the rail industry, as part of its Projects of the 50. And, in order to continue its streak of ambitious achievements for the past 50 years, the Cabinet has recently issued Law No. 5 of 2022 on the executive regulations of Federal Law No. 8 of 2020 for regulating railways, which reflects our wise leadership’s vision and interest in the land transport sector,' His Excellency added.

 

Omar Al Sebeyi, Executive Director of the Commercial Sector at Etihad Rail, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the upcoming edition of Middle East Rail, which comes as part of our commitment to support the development of the transportation and logistics industry in the UAE and the region. Middle East Rail will contribute to showcasing the latest technologies, fostering partnerships, stimulating investments, and exchanging knowledge and expertise, which are key for driving the growth industry in the UAE and the region.”

 

“At Etihad Rail, we ensure integrating cutting-edge technologies and following the best practices in the development of the UAE National Rail Network, to support the country’s economic growth. We look forward to convening with industry leaders and experts at Middle East Rail to shape the future of the rail industry in the region,” he added.

 

Event Director, Jamie Hosie, said, “As markets and travel corridors continue to open up, the move to Abu Dhabi makes strategical sense. Abu Dhabi plays an important role in the Middle East’s transport industry, as a central point of business it is the perfect place to stage this crucial gathering of transport titans.” 

Hosie commented, “With the rail sector looking to invest, governments in this part of the world need to strike a value balance between roads and railways, which is why the Roads & Traffic Show 2022 will be launched alongside Middle East Rail next year. Both events will be looking to holistically serve the transport ecosystem’’

 

Etihad Rail aims to link the UAE’s centres of trade, industry and population, and will provide passenger and freight services. Stage One of the Network has been operational since 2016. Stage Two is progressing at an accelerated pace, achieving 75% of the project’s completion. The UAE National Rail Network will play a significant role in providing a modern and sustainable network for transporting freight and passengers, bolstering the leading regional position of the UAE.