Etihad Rail, developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has launched the first edition of Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference (October 8-10) that is underway in Abu Dhabi, under the theme: ‘Setting Rail Infrastructure and Global Connectivity in Motion’, a report said.

The event is being held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI), Adnec Group, and dmg events, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said.

It has brought together more than 1,000 attendees representing various companies and organisations from around the world, alongside 50 international delegations and 300 exhibitors from more than 100 countries.

Other key participants include leaders from leading organisations such as Siemens Mobility (Germany), Hitachi (Japan), Alstom (France), Talgo and CAF (Spain), alongside several global financiers, including ICBC from China, Germany’s KFW Bank, Standard Chartered Industrial, and UK Export Finance, as well as railway operators and contractors from various countries.

The event, expected to attract 22,000 attendees, aims to position the UAE as a global hub for transport and logistics, by bringing together key players from across the entire value chain worldwide.

It features a Strategic Conference that explores innovative policy frameworks to accelerate rail development and promote cross-sector collaboration to enhance the added value and potential of the railway sector.

In addition, a Technical Conference is showcasing the latest research and developments in railway innovation presented by leading industry experts and academic institutes and organizations, alongside the International Projects Pavilion highlighting global railway operators, developers, and industry leaders.

The Finance Pavilion will offer an opportunity for financiers, developers, and stakeholders to discuss project financing, establish strategic partnerships, and explore investment solutions to advance and develop the sector.

Additionally, an Innovation Hub will enable railway entrepreneurs and R&D specialists to showcase the latest cutting-edge technologies that will redefine the future of transport, infrastructure, and logistics.

The event featured keynotes delivered by various esteemed ministers, and panel discussions addressing several crucial topics, including the future role of interconnected transport systems, the significance of consultancy services within the sector, the integration of automation and its impact, future perspectives for railway infrastructure financing, and project creation and funding.

It presented more than 80 panel discussions and sessions, with over 150 international speakers from transport and railway leaders and operators, ministers, industry experts, and decision-makers, sharing their insights.

The discussions will focus on several key themes: multimodal connectivity, smart mobility, digital transformation, infrastructure resilience, sustainability, financing, policy and governance as well as supply chain resilience.

The panel discussions and sessions will cover several other topics in transport including laws and regulations, project financing, consulting, railway operators, railway infrastructure contractors, investment frameworks for infrastructure projects, logistics, railway assets, research and development in rail, high-speed rail, technology and AI, and the transition to rail.

The event serves as a unique platform for participants, as well as railway operators, contractors, financiers, and leading companies in the field of innovation, to enhance collaboration and forge partnerships aimed at shaping a better future for the transport and infrastructure sector through the exchange of knowledge, and investment in advanced and effective transport solutions, particularly smart systems and the transformative power of AI.