France’s top mobility innovators converged in the UAE for the UAE-France Rail & Mobility Days 2025, held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on 23-24 April. The event, spearheaded by Business France, showcased cutting-edge French expertise in rail and sustainable transport, while deepening strategic cooperation with the UAE.
As the UAE ramps up investment in next-generation transport infrastructure, the event offered a platform for French companies to engage directly with Emirati stakeholders. Major developments include:
A US$13.6bn share in the GCC-wide 2,117 km rail network.
A high-speed rail line linking Dubai and Abu Dhabi, expected to be completed by 2030.
Dubai Metro’s expansion, aiming to serve 200,000 passengers daily by 2030, with construction underway and a total investment of US$4.9bn.
Abu Dhabi’s US$6.8bn investment in 155 transport projects, targeting a doubling of public transport use by 2028.
A national goal to reach 50% electric vehicle adoption by 2050.
In this context, Rail & Mobility Days 2025 was designed to match French innovation with the UAE’s ambitious infrastructure and sustainability goals.
High-level meetings and industry engagement
In Abu Dhabi, the French delegation was welcomed by H.E. Nicolas Niemtchinow, French Ambassador to the UAE, before engaging with key stakeholders such as Etihad Rail, Hafeet Rail, Abu Dhabi Mobility, and the Abu Dhabi Transport Company. Delegates also toured the Etihad Rail Al-Faya depot and attended the Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit to explore opportunities in the EV space.
The Dubai leg of the programme featured opening remarks by H.E. Jean-Christophe Paris, followed by panel sessions with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), DEWA, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, Al Naboodah Transport, and others. Discussions spanned metro and tram development, electric mobility, and the broader energy transition.
French capabilities on display
French companies demonstrated their leadership in transport innovation. Dassault Systèmes, the event’s gold sponsor, presented its advanced 3D design and virtual simulation tools for mobility planning. Other major players included VINCI Construction Grands Projets, specialists in large-scale infrastructure; and RATP Dev, experts in public transport operations.
SMEs also had a strong presence, including Apave, ATEIS, ATM Internationale, CBM Company, Codra, MPH Experts, OXYSIGN, MIPI, Manquillet Parizel, and Saarstahl Rail—each offering niche expertise in areas such as infrastructure safety, maintenance, digital engineering, signage, and railway metallurgy.
The initiative was organised by Business France, with support from Terracotta Manpower, reinforcing France’s long-term commitment to supporting the UAE’s infrastructure evolution.
UAE and France strengthen transport ties at Rail & Mobility Days 2025
Smart and sustainable mobility solutions were discussed at the event.
