The global railway sector convened in the UAE for a highly anticipated infrastructure event, where Siemens Mobility showcased its groundbreaking solutions aimed at revolutionizing transport in the Middle East and beyond during Global Rail 2025.
Taking place from September 30 to October 2 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, this international rail exhibition and conference, organized by Etihad Rail, underscored the vital role of rail in worldwide transportation and sustainable infrastructure development. The event attracted over 20,000 industry professionals from more than 100 countries, along with over 200 exhibitors who are shaping the future of mobility.
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Siemens Mobility’s engagement at the event highlighted its dedication to promoting smart, scalable, and environmentally resilient transport technologies that effectively meet both regional infrastructure demands and environmental challenges.
Siemens Mobility at booth 4B50: A vision for transforming UAE mobility
At Booth 4B50, attendees interacted with Siemens Mobility specialists to learn how the company’s array of solutions fosters safer, smarter, and more sustainable rail operations in some of the harshest climates globally.
Under the theme “Transform Mobility in the UAE,” Siemens highlighted several key rail technologies, including:
- Velaro – A next-generation high-speed train designed for hot and arid regions.
- Railigent X – An advanced rail asset management system.
- Automatic Train Operation (ATO) compatible with the European Train Control System (ETCS).
- Signaling X – Next-level digital signaling solutions.
- Trainguard MT – A solution for the automation of urban rail systems.
- Sqills S3 Passenger – A cloud-based system for ticketing and passenger reservations.
- Mobility as a Service (MaaS) products.
- Siemens Xcelerator – A robust digital platform focused on accelerating innovation.
These innovations represent Siemens Mobility’s commitment to delivering efficient, comfortable, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions, especially as urban areas expand and governments strive to meet ambitious climate targets.
Velaro: A game changer for desert high-speed rail
Utilized in Egypt, the Velaro train exemplifies Siemens Mobility’s focus on creating solutions capable of functioning under extreme conditions.
This train features enhanced cooling mechanisms, low maintenance requirements, high energy efficiency, and optimal uptime, making it particularly valuable in dry, dusty, and remote settings.
Notably, the Velaro operates well in temperatures exceeding 50°C, is resistant to sand contamination, and can withstand UV radiation, thus serving as a solid solution for desert rail initiatives planned throughout the Gulf and North Africa.
This milestone marks a significant advancement for high-speed transportation in the region, where dependable long-distance transit options are increasingly essential for economic integration, tourism growth, and reducing carbon emissions.
Expert voices: Envisioning the future of high-speed and sustainable transport
Siemens Mobility brought its leadership and technical experts to the forefront at Global Rail 2025 to offer insights, strategies, and future perspectives on rail transportation.
Key speakers included
- Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, discussed the upcoming developments in high-speed rail technologies and their global implications.
- Léon Soulier, CEO of Siemens Mobility Middle East & Africa and leader of the Turnkey Business Unit, emphasized collaborative frameworks essential for the seamless execution of complex rail projects.
- Ayman Ashour, CEO of Siemens Mobility Turnkey MEA and Siemens Mobility UAE, shared insights on the impact of next-gen rail technologies in fostering smart and resilient infrastructure across the area.
Moreover, Siemens experts conducted technical sessions covering AI-driven rail infrastructure, cloud-based CBTC (Communications-Based Train Control), and the latest innovations in rolling stock, demonstrating Siemens Mobility’s leadership in comprehensive digital transformation.
Sustainability as a core principle: Supporting the UAE’s Net Zero vision
Ayman Ashour stated, “At Siemens Mobility, our focus is on delivering sustainable rail solutions responding to urbanization, digitization, globalization, and demographic shifts.”
He emphasized that the company’s vision extends beyond mere efficiency, prioritizing the decarbonization and resource conservation of the entire mobility value chain.
“We are dedicated to combating climate change and resource depletion by accelerating innovations that align with national strategies, such as the UAE Net Zero by 2050 initiative,” he added.
Ashour reiterated Siemens’ intent to play a crucial role in introducing the first high-speed rail system in the UAE, noting that their presence at Global Rail 2025 embodies this enthusiasm and dedication to enhancing mobility for all.
Regional influence: Establishing global standards in rail innovation
Over the last ten years, Siemens Mobility has been key in evolving the region’s rail infrastructure with several pioneering projects:
- Development of the GCC’s first ETCS Level 1 signaling system on the Dammam–Riyadh route in Saudi Arabia.
- Implementation of the world’s first light rail transit system without a catenary or third rail in Qatar’s Education City.
- A significant contribution to Egypt’s high-speed rail network development.
- Establishment of the first cross-border rail signaling system linking the UAE and Oman.
As countries throughout the Middle East and Africa continue to invest in extensive transportation infrastructure, Siemens Mobility is strategically positioned as a reliable partner, spearheading high-impact transformations across passenger mobility, freight logistics, and sustainable urban development.