Company announcementBrief
Keolis opens Dubai headquarters for Middle East transport operations
The French operator will support existing metro and rail contracts in Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi while pursuing new concessions across the region.
Keolis has opened a regional headquarters in Dubai to support existing transport authority contracts and pursue new metro, rail and bus concessions across the Middle East. The office will serve as the operational hub for the group's networks in the region, according to a statement published on 15 January 2025.
Existing contracts in Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi#
Keolis operates Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram under a contract with the Roads and Transport Authority that began in 2021 and serves one million passengers daily. The company manages Doha Metro and Lusail Tram in Qatar through a joint venture that started in 2018 and delivered service during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Keolis holds a joint venture partnership with Etihad Rail to operate the first passenger railway service in the UAE, with a 2026 launch date. The Dubai headquarters will support these operating contracts and identify new business opportunities, the company stated.
Scope covers metro, rail and bus systems#
The regional office will pursue contracts for metro, light rail, intercity and high-speed rail projects. Keolis will also bid for bus rapid transit systems, alternative energy bus fleets and energy transition programmes for existing fleets. The company plans to implement first-mile last-mile solutions including micromobility, on-demand transport and autonomous transport services. Artificial intelligence development for mobility is part of the regional strategy, according to the statement.
Executive appointments and regional focus#
Alistair Gordon serves as CEO for Keolis Middle East, Asia and Pacific Zone and will oversee the Dubai headquarters. Frédéric Van Heems, chairman and chief executive officer of Keolis Group, stated the Middle East is a key growth market for the company. The regional headquarters reflects a long-term commitment to clients and readiness to lead major transport projects, Van Heems said in the statement. The office will enable closer collaboration with transport authorities on mobility projects across the region.
Sources2 sources across 2 domains
- cbnme.comcbnme.comKeolis opening regional headquarters in Dubai, existing contracts with RTA, Doha Metro operations since 2018, Etihad Rail partnership with 2026 launch, executive statements from Van Heems and Gordon
- logisticsmiddleeast.comlogisticsmiddleeast.comDubai headquarters to support existing networks and pursue metro, rail, bus and smart mobility contracts
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