First Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition And Conference Inaugurated In UAE

The first edition of Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition & Conference (Global Rail) 2024 has been officially inaugurated at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi.

The event is being hosted by Etihad Rail, which runs the UAE National Rail Network.

Etihad Rail has organized the event from Oct. 8 to Oct. 10 under the theme "Setting Rail Infrastructure and Global Connectivity in Motion" in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, ADNEC Group, and DMG events.

The first Global Rail event will bring together over 1,000 participants from various companies and organizations around the world, along with 50 international delegations and 300 exhibitors from more than 100 countries.

Top organizations like Siemens Mobility (Germany), HITACHI (Japan), Alstom (France), Talgo and CAF (Spain) are also attending, along with major financial institutions like ICBC from China, KFW Bank from Germany, Standard Chartered Industrial and UK Export Finance.

Railway operators and contractors from various countries are in attendance as well. The three-day event is expected to attract 22,000 people interested in the rail sector. The exhibition and conference aim to establish the UAE as a global hub for transport and logistics by connecting key players from across the industry worldwide.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, and Chairman of Etihad Rail, officially inaugurated the first edition of the Global Rail 2024.

"The UAE's railway is a shining example of innovation and sustainable growth. Our transport sector contributes directly to our prosperity, as it connects key centres of industry and production, opens new trade routes, and facilitates the movement of people," Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei said during his keynote, according to WAM.

"Global Rail 2024 conference is a crucial step in this transformative journey, as we gather here today to discuss and design the future of transport infrastructure. Together, our collective efforts will undoubtedly forge innovative solutions that not only elevate global connectivity but also leave a legacy for generations to come," he added.

On the first day of the event, important ministers gave keynote speeches, and panel discussions covered key topics like the future of connected transport systems, the role of consultancy services in the industry, the impact of automation, the future of railway infrastructure financing and how projects are created and funded.