Abu Dhabi to host Global Rail expo in October

Etihad Rail to launch first international transport and infrastructure conference at ADNEC

Last updated: September 20, 2025 | 14:54

3 MIN READ

The event to gather 15,000 decision-makers, influencers, and professionals, along with 1,000 representatives from global companies and entities, and over 300 exhibitors from more than 40 countries.

Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Etihad Rail will host the second edition of Global Rail, Transport, and Infrastructure Exhibition & Conference at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from September 30 to October 2, 2025.

Also Read: Etihad Rail wants to make UAE travel smoother with your ideas: How to help

The landmark event is expected to welcome over 20,000 participants, including ministers, global CEOs, innovators, and senior transport leaders representing companies with a combined annual turnover of more than $140 billion. Delegates from over 100 nationalities will gather for three days of high-level dialogue, project showcases, and technical exchange.

Also Read: Etihad Rail boost for Dubai homes: 7 locations UAE residents will see change

200+ exhibitors across 14 sectors

This year’s exhibition will span four halls at ADNEC, featuring more than 200 exhibiting companies and brands across 14 sectors — from infrastructure and rolling stock to smart mobility, financing, and digital innovation. Over 70 companies will exhibit for the first time, alongside 11 national rail operators including Etihad Rail, Hafeet Rail, Qatar Rail, Korea Railways Corporation, India Railways, East Japan Railways, ONCF Chad, Jordan Hejaz Railway, Renfe Operadora, and Keolis.

Ministers, global leaders and innovators

More than 20 ministerial delegations have confirmed participation. Among them are Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade; Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services; Philippe Tabarot, France’s Minister of Transport; and senior leaders from Afghanistan, Armenia, Chad, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.

Industry giants such as AECOM, Alstom, Siemens Mobility, DP World, MTR Corporation, and Hitachi Rail will also join the dialogue, alongside international organisations and research institutions.

Two world-class conferences

Global Rail 2025 will feature both Strategic and Technical Conferences, spanning more than 200 sessions with ministers, experts, and global innovators. Themes will include high-speed rail delivery, intermodal operations, sustainable financing, AI and automation, interoperability, and future city planning.

The event will also celebrate the second Global Rail Innovation Award, offering a AED 1 million grant to accelerate breakthrough solutions in mobility, logistics, and infrastructure. This year, a record 242 entries were received, tripling last year’s total.

What leaders are saying

Sheikh Nasser Al Qasemi, Assistant Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said:

“Hosting Global Rail 2025 reflects the UAE’s strategic position as a global hub for logistics and transport. The event will provide a platform to showcase our achievements and discuss sustainability, multimodal integration, AI, and safety — further reinforcing the UAE’s role at the forefront of global innovation.”

Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Global Rail, added:

“Global Rail 2025 reflects the scale of our ambition, not only for the UAE, but for the global transport ecosystem. With the continued support of our leadership, we are proud to host this landmark event, showcasing smart mobility, climate action, and resilience through rail.”

Salman Abou Hamzeh, Senior Vice President, dmg events, said: “In just two editions, Global Rail has become the definitive platform for the world’s transport and mobility community. With 200 exhibitors, 20,000 attendees, and a world-class programme, the event will serve as a launchpad for partnerships and innovation that will shape the future of mobility.”

Zones, pavilions, and hackathon

Nine country pavilions will feature Austria, Germany, India, Jordan, Poland, Qatar, South Korea, Spain, and the UK. Dedicated exhibition zones will spotlight financing, innovation, and next-generation mobility, including AI and automation showcases.

For the first time, a Youth Hackathon will engage university students in real-world mobility challenges under the mentorship of industry leaders.

The event will conclude with a major investment announcement, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a global leader in transport and mobility.

Abdulla RasheedEditor - Abu Dhabi

Abdullah Rashid Al Hammadi  is an accomplished Emirati journalist with over 45 years of experience in both Arabic and English media. He currently serves as the Abu Dhabi Bureau Chief fo Gulf News. Al Hammadi began his career in 1980 with Al Ittihad newspaper, where he rose through the ranks to hold key editorial positions, including Head of International News, Director of the Research Center, and Acting Managing Editor. A founding member of the UAE Journalists Association and a former board member, he is also affiliated with the General Federation of Arab Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists. Al Hammadi studied Information Systems Technology at the University of Virginia and completed journalism training with Reuters in Cairo and London. During his time in Washington, D.C., he reported for Alittihad  and became a member of the National Press Club. From 2000 to 2008, he wrote the widely read Dababees column, known for its critical take on social issues. Throughout his career, Al Hammadi has conducted high-profile interviews with prominent leaders including UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and key Arab figures such as the late Yasser Arafat and former presidents of Yemen and Egypt. He has reported on major historical events such as the Iran-Iraq war, the liberation of Kuwait, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the establishment of the Palestinian Authority. His work continues to shape and influence journalism in the UAE and the wider Arab world.