Dubai., September 14 , 2026: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister,
Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of
Dubai, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), will organise the
inaugural edition of the RailX Dubai Conference and Exhibition, focused on
rail and mobility, from 31 st May to 2 nd June 2027 at the Dubai World Trade
Centre.
Held under the theme “Building the Future of Rail and Mobility”, the
event is expected to attract more than 5,000 participants, over 60
exhibitors from international companies and organisations, and more
than 70 speakers, including government officials, decision-makers,
industry leaders, experts and specialists. It will serve as an international
forum to explore the transformations underway in the rail industry and
shape new directions that advance the integration and sustainability of
mobility systems.
The announcement came during a press conference held by His
Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of
Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, in the presence
of the representative of first organizing partner Mr. Deng Wei, Commercial
Director for Middle East Region of China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation
(CRRC) (CRRC) Abdul Mohsen Kalbat, CEO of Rail Agency; Moaza
Almarri, CEO of Executive Affairs Sector and Chair of the Organising
Committee; and a number of RTA directors.
Al Tayer affirmed that organising the RailX Dubai Conference and
Exhibition reflects the vision of the wise leadership to reinforce Dubai’s
position as a global hub for innovation and shaping the future. It also
highlights the strategic importance of rail and mobility in supporting
economic growth, guiding urban development, strengthening connectivity
between cities and markets, and enhancing quality of life for residents and
visitors. The event builds on Dubai’s distinguished track record in
developing strategic rail and smart mobility projects, foremost among them
Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram, alongside autonomous mobility initiatives,
the Aerial Taxi and intelligent transport systems. These projects have
further strengthened Dubai’s role in developing and deploying advanced
technologies within an integrated urban environment.
Hub for Shaping the Future of Mobility
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said: “The conference will reinforce Dubai's
strategic position as a link between East and West and a gateway
connecting global markets, and a hub for shaping the future of mobility. It
will draw on the experience of countries with long-established rail systems,
particularly European countries and Japan, alongside countries that have
achieved rapid progress in the sector, such as China and Singapore, as
well as other leading global markets.
“RailX Dubai will also bring together decision-makers, industry leaders,
experts, investors and specialised companies on an integrated platform
spanning policy, planning, investment, technology, implementation,
operations and customer service. The conference will explore the future of
rail and mobility, advance policies and systems, stimulate investment and
innovation, broaden opportunities for public-private partnerships, promote
the exchange of best practices, and establish a sustainable international
platform that evolves and attracts wider participation with each successive
edition.”
Al Tayer added: “RailX stands out for its comprehensive scope,
covering the full spectrum of activities across the rail industry and mobility
systems — from policy and strategy development, through planning,
design, financing, implementation and operations, to future technologies
and customer service. The conference is structured around five key
themes: Reach, Advance, Invest, Link, and Customer Experience.
Together, they form an interconnected framework for building a more
efficient, resilient and sustainable future for the rail and mobility sector.”
Key Driver of Economic Growth
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer affirmed that rail networks and modern
mobility systems are key drivers of economic growth, supporting urban
development, connecting communities and markets, advancing
sustainability and global competitiveness, and enhancing quality of life in
cities. He noted that rail forms the backbone of mass transit systems. Dubai
Metro, for example, accounts for 40% of total public transport ridership in
the emirate and has carried nearly three billion riders since operations
began on 9 th September 2009.
He said: “RTA is currently implementing the Dubai Metro Blue Line project,
while the tender for the Dubai Metro Gold Line project is scheduled to be
issued by the end of this year. The two projects have a combined estimated
cost of approximately AED 55 billion. Upon completion of the Blue Line in
2029 and the Gold Line in 2032, Dubai Metro network will expand from 90
km today to 162 km, an overall increase of 80%.
“Dubai Metro projects are delivered to the highest international standards,
according to clear plans and precise timelines. Their implementation is
overseen by Emirati engineers and experts working alongside engineers
from around the world, whose combined experience exceeds 2,500 years.”
Five Strategic Themes
The conference agenda is structured around five strategic themes that
shape the future of rail and integrated mobility. Together, they span the rail
and mobility ecosystem, linking infrastructure with investment, technology,
urban development and quality of life.
The first theme, REACH, focuses on strengthening connectivity across the
GCC, the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, and on the role of
international economic corridors, high-speed rail and intercity rail in
supporting the movement of people and goods and facilitating trade. It also
addresses interoperability, cross-border connectivity and opportunities in
emerging markets.
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The second theme, ADVANCE, highlights artificial intelligence, automation,
predictive maintenance, digital twins, data, cybersecurity, intelligent
transport systems, electrification and next-generation technologies, and
their role in enhancing rail network reliability, safety and operational
performance.
The third theme, INVEST, examines public-private partnership models,
innovative financing, sovereign capital, green bonds and sukuk, project
bankability, land value capture, transit-oriented development, and modern
delivery models for major projects.
The fourth theme, LINK, explores national and urban transport strategies,
multimodal integration, network planning, resilient infrastructure, regulatory
frameworks and governance, supporting the development of connected
cities capable of adapting to future change.
The fifth theme, X-PERIENCE, focuses on service quality, ease of access
to stations as integrated urban destinations, place curation around public
transport networks, smart and sustainable cities, Mobility as a Service
(MaaS), and solutions that make the customer journey easier and more
connected.
Passenger and Freight Transport
The conference covers both passenger transport and freight and logistics
within an integrated framework that highlights the pivotal role of rail in
connecting cities, people and markets, supporting trade and supply chains,
and driving economic development.
Passenger transport discussions will cover metro and intercity rail
networks, network planning, station design, multimodal integration, ticketing
systems, Mobility as a Service (MaaS), and ways to increase public
transport ridership.
Freight sessions will address supply chain resilience, trade and economic
corridors, customs digitalisation, dry ports, and stronger links between
regional and global markets, supporting the development of more resilient
and sustainable logistics systems.
Accompanying Exhibition
The accompanying exhibition will serve as a global showcase for the latest
technologies, products and solutions in rail and mobility systems. It will
provide companies, manufacturers, investors, developers and technology
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providers with a platform to engage directly, explore business opportunities
and forge strategic partnerships.
Participating entities will showcase their latest innovations in trains,
operating and control systems, smart maintenance, artificial intelligence,
automation, cybersecurity, sustainable infrastructure and customer service,
helping move advanced solutions from innovation to practical application.
Supporting the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan
The RailX Dubai Conference and Exhibition aligns with the priorities of
RTA’s Strategic Plan 2030 to provide seamless and innovative mobility,
advance sustainability, health, safety and security, and enhance customer
service.
The conference also supports the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban
Master Plan to create a more connected and integrated city, facilitate
residents’ access to their daily needs and destinations, and strengthen the
role of public transport networks in developing urban communities and
enhancing quality of life.
The conference will also support Dubai’s economic ambitions by attracting
investment, promoting business tourism, developing international
partnerships, and strengthening links between markets in the Middle East,
Africa and Asia and global markets.
