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Global Rail sets the stage for a transformative era in rail: key speakers, strategic themes, and industry support announced

Global Rail sets the stage for a transformative era in rail: key speakers, strategic themes, and industry support announced

Abu Dhabi, 24 September 2024: In what is set to be defining moment in the global transportation industry, Etihad Rail, in collaboration with UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and dmg events, will be hosting the inaugural Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition & Conference (Global Rail). Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Global Rail will take place from October 8-10 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi. 

This flagship event will convene over 150 senior representatives from across the global transport value chain, including ministers, industry leaders, and stakeholders. With over 10,000 expected attendees, Global Rail will showcase over 100 exhibitors from around the world, providing a comprehensive platform to engage with key players across the transport and infrastructure industry. 

In a press briefing held earlier today, Etihad Rail officially announced the distinguished speakers, strategic themes for the conferences, and partners for this landmark event. The briefing was attended by Omar Alsebeyi, Executive Director of Commercial and Performance, and Salman Abou Hamzeh. Senior Vice President at dmg events. 

Speakers and Industry Pioneers

Global Rail features both a Strategic and Technical Conference, bringing together a distinguished assembly of high-level ministerial participation, global C-suite executives, visionaries, and industry leaders. Together, this powerful collective will chart a course for realising rail’s full potential as a driver of sustainable and interconnected global transportation. 

Among the high-profile speakers confirmed for the event are:

  • H.E. Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf
  • H.E. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure – UAE
  • H.E. Óscar Puente, Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility – Spain
  • H.E. Lee Seong-hai, Chairman and CEO – Korea National Railways- South Korea
  • Eng. Hamad Issa Abdullah, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of Land Transport- Qatar
  • H.E. Shadi Malak, CEO – Etihad Rail 
  • Abdul Muhsen Ibrahim Kalbat: CEO of the Rail Agency, RTA – UAE 

These thought leaders, along with other experts, policymakers, operators, transport authorities, financiers, and innovators will provide attendees with a forward-looking perspective on the critical changes shaping the industry. These industry leaders will be representing companies including Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, RENFE-Operadora, Systra, Alstom, RITES Infrastructure, Arup, CAF, Iryo, Globalvia, Siemens Mobility, HyperloopTT, Ineco, Presight, and Progress Rail. 

Key Themes 

The multi-faceted Global Rail conferences will be held across three days, featuring a mix of panel discussions, fireside chats, case studies, and project updates. The discussion will revolve around several themes across the transport ecosystem, including legal, project finance, consulting, rail operators, railway infrastructure contractors, strategic investment frameworks for infrastructure funding, logistics, rolling stock, rail academics, high speed, technology & AI, the transition to rail and decarbonisation.

Strategic & Technical Conferences

At the Strategic Conference, global leaders will explore how collaboration across sectors and borders can unlock rail’s full value. Discussions will centre on innovative policy frameworks, designed to boost innovation, and accelerate leveraging rail to drive economic growth, supply chain resilience and decarbonisation.

The Technical Conference will spotlight the adaptation of cutting-edge R&D and disruptive solutions enabling rail innovation. Experts from industry, research institutions, and academia will present tested and critical approaches to revolutionise rail across 8 technical categories: Innovation in construction and infrastructure, high-speed rail, digital rail, passenger experience, supply chain resiliency, rolling stock innovation, safety and security, and urban planning, ultimately, driving transitions for smarter cities and multimodal networks across the entire transportation ecosystem.  

Commenting on the announcement, H.E. Sheikh Nasser Al Qasimi, Assistant Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Regulation Sector at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said: “Hosting the inaugural edition of Global Rail in Abu Dhabi signifies the UAE’s rising prominence on the global stage as a leader in transport, logistics, and infrastructure development. This significant gathering would not be possible without the support and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, whose vision and commitment to transport innovation continue to drive the industry forward.”

“The transport sector is at a critical juncture, with the convergence of new technologies and sustainability mandates reshaping how we move goods and people. Global Rail will serve as a platform for thought leaders and decision-makers to collaborate and drive solutions for a more sustainable future.”, His Excellency added.

Commenting on the announcement Omar Alsebeyi, Executive Director of Commercial & Performance at Etihad Rail, commented: “Global Rail will bring together the world’s foremost leaders and experts to discuss critical topics within the global transport landscape. As rail infrastructure becomes a central pillar in addressing global connectivity, Etihad Rail is bringing this vital conversation to Abu Dhabi. With the guidance and forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and the support and guidance of His highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, this event is poised to drive global industry collaborations, reinforcing our leadership’s commitment to positioning the UAE as a global hub for sustainable and cutting-edge transportation solutions.”

Christopher Hudson, President at dmg events, commented: “The introduction of Global Rail in Abu Dhabi represents a landmark moment for the global transportation industry. As a gathering of the world’s leading minds in transportation, infrastructure, and sustainability, Global Rail sets a promising outlook for unlocking critical trade corridors with international partners and sets the tone for important exchange in the backdrop of rapid development here in the UAE and wider GCC. The distinguished line-up of speakers from the Ministerial level to operators and divisional specialists, bring a wealth of experience and a broad range of perspectives from around the world, underscores the significance of learning from countries with established rail networks as we look to drive rail as a preferred mode of transport in the region and beyond. The discussions at Global Rail are expected to resonate well beyond the conference, setting new benchmarks in industry practices and propelling the vision of a more sustainable and efficient transport ecosystem worldwide.”

Finance Pavilion

Additionally, Global Rail will feature a Finance Pavilion, designed to connect financiers with infrastructure project developers. This dedicated space will provide a unique platform for investors, project developers, and stakeholders to discuss financing opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and unlock funding solutions to advance the transport sector. 

Innovation Hub

Complementing the Finance Pavilion will be an Innovation Hub, which will provide an opportunity to connect with rail entrepreneurs and R&D pioneers, showcasing disruptive technologies, cutting-edge digital solutions, and groundbreaking advancements, that are set to revolutionize the mobility, transportation, and logistics sectors. 

Event Sponsors

Further showcasing the industry’s commitment to innovation and progress, the line up of key partners and sponsors was also announced during the briefing. The event will be supported by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), Global Rail’s exclusive Finance Pavilion Headline Sponsor, in addition to Partners; Abu Dhabi Airports, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Transport (ADT) and Road and Transport Authority (RTA), DP World who will be joining as a Gold Sponsor, Silver Sponsors ALSTOM, HATCH, and Jacobs, as well as Knowledge Partner, ARUP, among several others. 

Overall, Global Rail will offer a platform for attendees to engage in insightful discussions, explore cutting-edge technologies, and foster collaborations that will shape the future of the rail transport sector.

For more information about Global Rail, including the full agenda, registration details, and a complete list of international speakers, please visit [https://www.grtiec.com].

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About The Author

Zamil Safwan

As a seasoned telecom engineer with a diverse background, I bring a wealth of experience to the ICT news sphere. My expertise extends beyond traditional telecommunications, delving into the realms of Digital Transformation, Online Advertising, E-commerce, and Start-ups. I possess a strong entrepreneurial spirit, complemented by a keen understanding of the fintech sector, where technology meets finance. This unique blend of skills allows me to offer insightful and informed perspectives on the intersection of finance, technology, and telecommunications in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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