UAE-France Rail & Mobility Days 2025: Rail, Metro, Tram: France strengthens mobility ties with UAE
Strategic Engagements to Support the UAE's Mobility Vision
The UAE is actively developing an integrated and future-ready transport network, supported by multi-billion-dollar investments:
A 2,117 km passenger and freight railway network, part of a broader initiative led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia to connect all GCC countries. The UAE's share of this investment is estimated at $13.6 billion.
A high-speed rail project between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, scheduled for completion by 2030.
Expansion of the Dubai Metro, led by RTA, is expected to serve 200,000 daily passengers by 2030. Construction began in 2024, with a total planned investment of approximately $4.9 billion.
An investment of $6.8 billion in Abu Dhabi to support 155 transportation projects aimed at improving connectivity and accessibility across the emirate, with a specific target to double public transport usage by 2028.
A national goal to transition to 50% electric vehicles by 2050 as part of the UAE's commitment to sustainable mobility.
In light of these national plans for rail and mobility development, the event program was designed to connect French companies with the country's most influential partners and decision-makers in mobility and transport.
In Abu Dhabi, following the inauguration speech by H.E. Nicolas Niemtchinow, French Ambassador to the UAE, the French delegation held meetings with Etihad Rail, Hafeet Rail, Abu Dhabi Mobility, and the Abu Dhabi Transport Company. Discussions focused on national railway infrastructure and ongoing mobility developments across the city.
The program also included a visit to the Etihad Rail Al-Faya depot, the main maintenance and control center for the network, as well as a stop at the Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit, where French companies explored emerging opportunities in the UAE's rapidly growing EV sector.
In Dubai, H.E. Jean-Christophe Paris opened the sessions with welcoming remarks to the delegation and guests and attended the subsequent panel discussions featuring the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), DEWA, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, Al Naboodah Transport, and other industrial stakeholders. These sessions explored key topics including metro and tram projects, electric mobility, and the energy transition.
French Expertise Supporting UAE's Ambitions
French excellence was on full display—Among the participating companies, Dassault Systèmes, the gold sponsor of the event, stood out for its advanced capabilities in virtual design and simulation tailored to the mobility sector. Through its 3D design, digital mock-up, and PLM solutions, the company enables transport stakeholders to model and optimize complex mobility systems in virtual environments.
Also present, VINCI CONSTRUCTION GRANDS PROJETS, an expert in large-scale transport infrastructure and RATP DEV, a key player in public transport and railway network operations.
French innovators such as Apave, ATEIS, ATM Internationale, CBM Company, Codra, MPH Experts, OXYSIGN, MIPI, Manquillet Parizel, and Saarstahl Rail brought expertise in maintenance, railway infrastructure safety, complex system digital engineering, industrial marking and signage, and metallurgical components adapted to local railway infrastructure constraints, as well as committed urban mobility solutions.
This initiative, led by Business France and supported by Terracotta Manpower, highlights the deepening ties between France and the UAE in advancing sustainable, future-ready infrastructure. It also reaffirms France's strategic commitment to partnering with the UAE in shaping the next generation of smart mobility across the region.
Business France is the public consulting business serving the international development of the French economy. It is responsible for fostering export-led growth by French businesses, as well as promoting and facilitating foreign investment in France.
It promotes France's firms, business image and nationwide attractiveness as an investment location, and also runs the VIE international internship program.
Business France has more than 1,400 personnel, both in France and in 53 countries throughout the world.
In 2023, support from Business France made it possible to generate €3.3 billion in additional export revenues for French SMEs and mid-size companies, accounting for more than 27,111 jobs created or planned. Business France supported 58% of the 1,815 foreign investment decisions in 2023, accounting for 67% of the 59,254 jobs created or maintained nationwide.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Crypto Insight
an hour ago
- Crypto Insight
Crypto to become UAE's second-biggest sector in 5 years — Institutional investor
The crypto sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on track to become its second-largest industry in the next five years, due to the country's regulatory policies and attractive business environment, according to Chase Ergen, a board member of publicly traded digital asset investment firm DeFi Technologies. 'They have a reputation for leadership, legislation, and community,' Ergen told Cointelegraph in an interview. He also predicted: 'They sell oil, that's their main business. I think their second-biggest business is going to be the blockchain industry in the next five years. This will start to be double-digit parts of the economy.' The country has a clear crypto regulatory framework, a community of key crypto industry executives, a debt-free economy that allows the government to funnel surplus into tech investments, low crime, attractive tax policies, and forward-thinking leadership, Ergen added. The UAE has created a moat that has made it the undisputed hub for crypto and tech in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) amid growing nation-state adoption of crypto and the race between sovereign powers to become global leaders in the digital finance age. Nation-state crypto adoption ramps up in 2025 Nation-state crypto adoption accelerated in 2025, following the inauguration of president Donald Trump in the United States and the regulatory shift that followed. The Trump White House released its long-promised crypto report in July, outlining the administration's plan to make the US the global leader in crypto. Pakistan's government reversed its long-held opposition to cryptocurrencies in November 2024, one day before the US presidential election. Since that time, Pakistan has established a national Bitcoin reserve and appointed a national crypto council to craft a comprehensive digital asset regulatory framework within the country. Sovereign wealth funds, including the UAE's Mubadala and Norway's sovereign fund, have exposure to Bitcoin through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other investment vehicles. Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the largest state-directed investment fund of its kind in the world, increased its Bitcoin exposure by 192% over the last year, according to crypto research firm K33. Source:
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Up to Dh400,000 in scholarships, 75% off on back-to-school shopping
As the back-to-school season begins, retailers across the UAE are offering offering up to 75 per cent off on various products, scholarships worth up to Dh400,000, and even full-year school fee coverage for shoppers. These initiatives aim to ease the financial burden on families, bringing relief to parents who typically spend thousands of on back-to-school essentials such as uniforms, bags, books, and accessories. These initiatives are part of the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 campaign, which runs until August 31 and includes a wide array of back-to-school deals on everything from school supplies and clothing to tech gadgets and footwear. Dh200,000 in scholarships At the heart of the season is the Modesh Scholarship, giving families the chance to win Dh200,000 in scholarships by spending Dh200 or more at participating malls such as Dubai Festival Plaza, Al Ghurair Centre, Times Square Center, Sunset Mall, Century Mall, Al Quoz Mall and Silicon Central. Prize draws will take place on September 1, 2025. Families can also take part in the back to school in spend and win Dh25,000 campaign, running at Dubai Festival City Mall until August 31. Those who spend Dh500 or more at participating stores stand the chance to win Dh25,000 towards their child's school fees. Over 35 brands are taking part, including Borders, Brands For Less, Carrefour, Clarks, Daiso, H&M, Jashanmal, Marks & Spencer, Zara and more. The winner will be announced on 3 September. LuLu School Savers is also live across all LuLu Hypermarkets and Express stores in the UAE until September 7, 2025, giving customers the chance to win a scholarship worth Dh10,000 by spending Dh100 on school supplies, in addition to instant prizes. Tech and electronics deal Electronics retailers are equally engaged in the back-to-school season. E City stores across Dubai are offering a variety of tech deals, including free gifts with every purchase, buy-one-get-one-free offers on select items, premium gifts valued up to Dh500 with the latest laptops, and up to Dh1,000 in exchange value for old or broken laptops and tablets. Students and teachers can also benefit from a 15 per cent discount on selected electronics. Meanwhile, Emax is offering up to 30 per cent off on a range of products including laptops, tablets, and monitors. Jumbo's back-to-school 2025 campaign — which will run until September 14 — not only delivers big savings but also invests back into the community with a Dh25,000 scholarship pool and free educational sessions. Customers spending Dh2,000 or more by August 31, in-store or online, will be entered into a raffle to win one of five Dh5,000 scholarships. In addition, students and teachers with a valid ID can have up to Dh500 extra discount on certain products, while the Laptop Exchange Bonus gives up to Dh500 off when trading in a working or non-working device. It is also offering assured gifts worth up to Dh599 with select laptops and bundles, discounts of up to 50 per cent on IT accessories and monitors, and a similar discount on gadget personalisation for laptops and tablets at its Mall of the Emirates store. Huge savings ahead Shoppers can also save up to Dh1,500 through exclusive partner offers, including 10 per cent off (up to Dh300) for Emirates NBD credit cardholders spending Dh2,000 or more (excluding Apple, DJI, and PlayStation), along with zero interest and processing fee on easy payment plans for 18 and 24 months. However, the back-to-school relevant categories like Apple iPad and Apple MacBook are included for the bank discount. Shoppers can also enjoy Dh600 off travel bookings with Dh500 off on Tanishq jewellery purchases, and Dh100 off at Titan Store in Mall of the Emirates. 'Our back-to-school 2025 campaign is all about empowering students, teachers and families with easier access to the tech tools they need. It goes beyond discounts. "This year, we're offering scholarships, educational experiences, gadget personalisation, and real upgrade value. Whether someone is trading in an old laptop, learning about AI, or shopping for school devices, our goal is to make tech accessible, exciting, and fundamentally useful for education,' said a Jumbo Electronics spokesperson. Huge prizes await shoppers Over century-old retailer Jashanmal Group offers grand prizes worth Dh150,000 by shopping at its stores or online. Customers who spend Dh1,000 or more will have the chance to win Dh75,000 as the first prize, Dh50,000 as second prize and Dh25,000 as third prize until September 14 across all of its stores. As part of its back-to-school e-commerce giant Noon will run back-to-school sale from August 18 to 31, offering up to 70 per cent off stationery, up to 50 per cent off on fashion, up to 60 per cent off on grocery, up to 70 per cent off on beauty, baby essentials, books, and media, and up to 75 per cent off toys and sports. Plus, a weekly raffle to win one year of school fees worth Dh30,000 (until August 26), as well as bank offers for ADCB and Emirates NBD customers. 'Back to school shouldn't drain your wallet or your sanity. We've loaded this season with massive deals, bank perks, daily flash sales, and even a chance at winning a year's school fees,' said a spokesperson. UAE's major retail chain Al Maya Supermarket has also kicked off its back-to-school campaign, offering a wide range of school essentials, exclusive deals, and exciting promotions for families preparing for the new academic year. From stationery and backpacks to healthy snacks and lunchbox favourites, customers can find everything they need at the retailer's outlets. The campaign aims to provide parents and students with an attractive value, convenience, and quality, making the back-to-school season stress-free and enjoyable. The campaign is available across all Al Maya Supermarket branches in the UAE, with special discounts on popular brands, bundle offers, and exclusive in-store promotions. 'Back to school is an exciting time for students and families, and we are committed to making it even more special. Our stores are stocked with top-quality school supplies, nutritious food options, and amazing offers that meet the needs of every household. We look forward to welcoming our customers and helping them start the school year on a positive note,' said Kamal Vachani, deputy CEO, group director and partner at Al Maya Group. Meanwhile, Union Coop's back-to-school campaign offers up to 50 per cent off across diverse school supplies that cater to the needs of students, parents and teachers. 'We have ensured the availability of school supplies that meet global standards and help prepare students effectively for the upcoming school year. The products are designed to suit different tastes and requirements, offered in a convenient shopping environment across our branches and digital channels,' said Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop. He emphasised that the retailer will support local products by allocating prominent space to domestic brands that have proven their quality and efficiency.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Spotify hikes premium package charges; users to soon pay up to Dh40 monthly
Music lovers in the UAE will soon have to pay more for their subscription plans as Spotify announced a hike to its premium plan prices. Speaking to Khaleej Times, an advisor at the streaming platform confirmed the new prices are set to be introduced for all plans from September onwards. "As we continue to grow our platform, we are updating our premium prices, so that we can keep innovating in changing market conditions. These updates will help us continue delivering value to fans," said the advisor. Users will be given a one-month grace period before the new price becomes effective, unless they cancel before the grace period ends. Earlier this month, Spotify had announced that it would be increasing prices and subscribers would receive an email explaining the price increase over the next month. The company had clarified the price would rise to 11.99 euros ($13.86) per month from 10.99 euros in markets including South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region. Price increases in the past, combined with cost-cutting efforts in recent years, have helped Spotify achieve its first annual profit for 2024. Price increase On Saturday, some users received an email informing them of the same. For those who may not have received these yet, Spotify has advised listeners to check their junk or spam folders. The new rates will be charged from the customer's respective billing date in September. In case one is unable to recall this date, they can visit their account page to find the billing date. Here are the new prices: Premium Individual: The previous plan that used to cost Dh21.99 for a month will now be available for Dh23.99. Premium Student: The plan of Dh11.99 will now be available for Dh12.99. Premium Duo: The duo plan that used to cost Dh27.99 will now be available for Dh32.99. Premium Family: The family plan which used to cost Dh33.99 will now be available for Dh39.99. For those who plan to change their subscriptions, the advisor informed that it won't be impacting customers' library, which includes playlists, podcasts or liked songs. This also applies to those who plan to switch to the free service. What about those who are currently on a trial offer? These users will have one month at the original price after the end of the trial. After this, the new price for the chosen plan will come into effect. For those who got a gift card under the previous plan, they will still be able to redeem it even if it they bought it at a lower price. Gift cards can only be redeemed on the Premium Individual plan. Recent changes Spotify is also benefiting from Apple's approval of the Swedish company's US app update to show subscription prices and external payment links, after a judge barred the iPhone maker from charging commission on off-app purchases. The audio streaming company's CEO Daniel Ek said this change has led to "a very positive uptick" in the US. He also said that if similar rules are adopted in Europe and the UK, it would benefit both Spotify and other app developers. Spotify has been expanding its library of video content to attract subscribers, including through its partner programme, which is designed to help podcast creators by offering them monetisation options. A growing number of creators are joining the Spotify Partner Programme, resulting in a significant increase in video content on our platform, Ek had earlier said.
