Keolis has opened its regional headquarters in Dubai as part of plans to strengthen its presence across the Middle East, support existing clients and pursue new transport projects in the region.
The new office will serve as a hub for the Group's regional operations and business development, reinforcing its ambition to become a leading transport operator in the Middle East.
Keolis currently
operates major transport networks across the region. Since 2018, the Group has
managed Doha Metro and Lusail Tram in Qatar through a joint venture, including
delivering services during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In the UAE, Keolis MHI
began operating and maintaining Dubai Metro and operating Dubai Tram in 2021 on
behalf of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), serving around one million
passengers daily.
In 2026, the Group
also launched the UAE's first passenger railway service through a joint venture
with Etihad Rail.
Frédéric Van Heems,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Keolis Group, said: “The Middle East is
a key growth market for Keolis. We have proven we can operate world-class
trains, metro and tram systems reliably - from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. This
regional headquarters shows our long-term commitment with our clients, and our
readiness to lead the major transport projects that will shape the region's
future,”
Alistair Gordon, CEO
of Keolis Middle East, Asia and Pacific Zone, said: “This headquarters is
essential for our growth in the Middle East. It will allow us to work more
closely with our clients and support the region's major mobility projects,”
Expansion across
transport networks
With its new
headquarters, Keolis plans to pursue upcoming railway projects covering metro,
light rail, intercity and high-speed services.
The Group will also
focus on supporting the development of bus networks, including Bus Rapid
Transit (BRT) systems, alternative-energy buses and the transition of existing
fleets to cleaner energy solutions.
Its expansion strategy
also includes first- and last-mile mobility services, such as micromobility,
on-demand transport and autonomous transportation, aimed at providing
integrated end-to-end journeys.
Innovation,
particularly the development and application of artificial intelligence in
mobility, will be another priority as the company seeks to support the region's
evolving transport requirements.
Keolis said the regional headquarters would strengthen its ability to work closely with public transport authorities, develop new business opportunities and deliver safe, efficient and sustainable mobility solutions, drawing on its international experience in public transport operations. -TradeArabia News Service