Etihad Rail is solidifying its commitment to innovation and the future of transport at Global Rail 2025, reinforcing its dedication to the UAE and its vision for global connectivity.
Driving Innovation in the UAE’s Rail Sector
Etihad Rail has unveiled the Etihad Rail Innovation Centre (ERIC), marking a significant milestone as the UAE’s first national platform dedicated to advancing mobility innovation. This initiative underscores Etihad Rail’s commitment to positioning the UAE as a global innovation hub.
Alongside the ERIC launch, Etihad Rail celebrated the winners of the second Global Rail Innovation Awards, distributing a AED 1 million grant to fuel groundbreaking ideas in rail, logistics, and infrastructure. This initiative serves as a global platform to discover and accelerate high-potential innovations, demonstrating Etihad Rail’s dedication to fostering innovation and technological advancement in the region.
These projects, along with other strategic initiatives, highlight Etihad Rail’s long-term vision to transform the future of transport and logistics in alignment with the UAE Vision 2031 and the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy.
A Hub for Collaboration and Growth
The Etihad Rail Innovation Centre is set to revolutionize the movement of people and goods across the region. By fostering collaboration between industry leaders, academic institutions, startups, and government entities, the ERIC aims to accelerate the UAE’s position as a global leader in transport innovation. Startups and researchers will gain access to incubation and acceleration programs, alongside opportunities to enter GCC markets and expand globally.
This hub will identify, validate, and scale new mobility solutions, ranging from rail infrastructure and rolling stock to advanced digital systems and intermodal connectivity, therefore, achieving enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the transport sector.
Etihad Rail is already actively involved in a variety of innovation projects, including piloting robotics for inspection processes, testing magnetic rail technologies for energy-efficient travel, and nurturing homegrown ideas within the organization.
Recognizing Global Innovation
- The Global Rail Innovation Awards attracted 242 submissions from around the world, highlighting the UAE’s role as a central hub for innovation.
- Ameera Al Khlaifi, Director of Strategy & Growth at Etihad Rail, emphasized the importance of these initiatives:
- The winners of the Global Rail Innovation Awards are:
- SBS Transit (Singapore): Utilizing AI to improve sign language accessibility on public transport.
- Future Maintenance Technologies (FMT) (Australia): Providing robotic solutions for safer and more predictive rolling stock inspection.
- TRE ALTAMIRA (Italy): Employing satellite monitoring to detect early warning signs and reduce surveying costs.
