Logistics

Etihad Rail unveils speaker line-up for Global Rail 2025

Global Rail 2025 aims to bring together the international transport community. (Image source: WAM)

Etihad Rail has announced the speaker line-up for Global Rail 2025, the region’s largest mobility and transportation exhibition, which will take place in Abu Dhabi from 30 September-2 October. The press conference confirmed participation from senior government officials, global CEOs, and transport leaders representing more than 100 nationalities.

The event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and supported by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, is being organised in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and dmg events.

At the press conference, speakers included H.E. Sheikh Nasser Al Qasemi, Assistant Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport at MoEI, Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Global Rail, Salman Abou Hamzeh, Senior Vice President at dmg events, and Kholoud Almazrouei, Director of Special Projects at Etihad Rail.

A platform for global transport dialogue

Global Rail 2025 aims to bring together the international transport community to foster cross-border collaboration and innovation across mobility, logistics, and infrastructure. More than 20,000 participants are expected to attend the three-day exhibition, which will feature strategic dialogue, project showcases, and technical exchanges.

This year’s edition will span four halls and host over 200 exhibitors across 14 key sectors, ranging from infrastructure and rolling stock to smart mobility and financing. Over 70 companies are exhibiting for the first time, alongside 11 national rail operators such as Etihad Rail, Hafeet Rail, Qatar Rail, Korea Railways Corporation, India Railways, East Japan Railways, and Renfe Operadora. Together, the exhibiting businesses represent a combined annual turnover of over US$140bn.

Themed “Driving the Future of Transport and Global Connectivity”, Global Rail 2025 reflects the industry’s shared ambition to accelerate multimodal mobility, forge infrastructure partnerships, and advance sustainable transport solutions. With global passenger traffic forecast to reach 9.5bn by the end of 2025, the event will provide a critical platform for shaping the transport networks of the future.

High-level participation and expert-led sessions

Confirmed attendees include more than 20 ministerial delegations alongside senior leaders from leading transport, logistics, and infrastructure companies such as AECOM, Alstom, Asyad, Bayanat, CAF, DP World, Jacobs, Hitachi Rail, MTR Corporation, Siemens Mobility, Škoda Group, and Talgo.

Two parallel conferences will run throughout the exhibition. The Strategic Conference will host over 55 sessions on topics including high-speed rail delivery, intermodal operations, sustainable financing, governance, interoperability, automation, and city planning. The Technical Conference will cover areas such as digitalisation, asset management, engineering, and operational innovation, with contributions from global experts and R&D leaders.

Adding to the programme is the Global Rail Innovation Award, now in its second edition. With an AED1mn grant, the award recognises transformative solutions in transport and mobility. This year, it attracted 242 submissions, more than triple the entries of its inaugural year, underscoring its growing role as a launchpad for new ideas.

Dedicated zones and international showcases

Global Rail 2025 will also feature nine country pavilions, highlighting participation from Austria, Germany, India, Jordan, Poland, Qatar, South Korea, Spain, and the United Kingdom. An International Projects Pavilion will showcase billion-dollar infrastructure investments from countries including Afghanistan, Chad, Kenya, and Uzbekistan.

The Finance Pavilion will connect developers and operators with leading financiers such as First Abu Dhabi Bank, AIIB, ICBC, and Emirates NBD, while the Innovation Hub will spotlight AI, automation, and future mobility solutions from over 25 pioneering companies.

For the first time, the exhibition will host a Youth Hackathon in partnership with UAE universities, engaging students in real-world transport challenges under industry mentorship.

SolitAir launches Kuwait cargo service from Dubai

The route is the latest addition to SolitAir’s expanding network. (Image source: SolitAir)

UAE-based SolitAir, the country’s dedicated cargo airline, has announced the launch of a scheduled service connecting Dubai World Central (DWC) with Kuwait International Airport (KWI).

The move marks a strategic step in strengthening the carrier’s presence in the Gulf and enhancing its role as a logistics partner for freight forwarders, integrator airlines, and e-commerce platforms across the Middle East and wider Global South.

The new service will cater to Kuwait’s growing demand for fast, reliable cargo transport. SolitAir already carries a diverse range of shipments into and out of the country, including perishables, electronics, courier packages, dangerous goods, and general freight.

The expansion underlines the airline’s ability to handle complex and sensitive cargo with efficiency while maintaining high safety and service standards.

To support the Kuwait operations, SolitAir has appointed Al Hayat International for Air Shipping as its General Sales Agent (GSA). With its local market knowledge and proven air freight expertise, Al Hayat will strengthen the airline’s customer reach and service delivery in the country.

MENA growth

The route is the latest addition to SolitAir’s expanding network, which now covers 26 destinations across the Global South, from the GCC to Africa, Asia and Central Asia.

The airline, which recently secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, currently operates five Boeing 737-800 BCF freighters. It has ambitious growth plans, aiming to increase its fleet to as many as 20 aircraft by 2027.

Operating from its 220,000 sq ft logistics hub at DWC, SolitAir is investing heavily in regional connectivity. Its freighters are equipped to carry a wide variety of specialised shipments, including temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, hazardous materials and e-commerce goods, ensuring secure, reliable, and timely deliveries.

The Kuwait service represents another milestone in the airline’s mission to link high-yield trade lanes across the Global South, consolidating its position as a trusted partner in the region’s fast-growing logistics sector.

Talal Al Jeri, CEO of Al Jeri Holdings and Owner of Al Hayat International for Air Shipping, the GSA for SolitAir in Kuwait, said, “We are delighted to partner with SolitAir. Their commitment to speed, reliability and specialised cargo solutions aligns perfectly with the needs of the Kuwaiti market. This partnership will create new opportunities for Kuwaiti businesses to transport goods quickly and efficiently.”

Hamdi Osman, founder & CEO of SolitAir, said, “The launch of our scheduled service to Kuwait comes at a pivotal time, as the ambitious Air Cargo City project at Kuwait International Airport receives the green light to move forward. This initiative is poised to establish Kuwait as a leading logistics hub in the Middle East and North Africa. With cutting-edge facilities and a strategic focus on sustainable growth, this project aligns perfectly with SolitAir’s mission to provide reliable and efficient cargo solutions. With our expanded fleet and the appointment of a strong GSA partner in Al Hayat International, we are committed to supporting Kuwaiti businesses in seizing new opportunities and driving regional trade forward.”

Also read: Air taxis to take-off in Saudi skies?

Commercial operations to begin next year, Etihad Rail says

A_train_atop_a_mountainous_railway_track

Trains will travel at speeds of up to 200 km/hr. (Image source: WAM)

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed the progress of the Etihad Rail project and took a landmark passenger train journey between Dubai and Fujairah, marking a key milestone in the UAE’s national railway network.

Set to begin commercial operations in 2026, the passenger train service is part of a wider vision to connect the country through sustainable, efficient, and modern infrastructure. The journey underlines Sheikh Mohammed’s commitment to overseeing strategic development projects and ensuring alignment with the UAE’s long-term national goals.

Describing the railway as one of the country’s most significant infrastructure undertakings, Sheikh Mohammed said the project will have broad economic, social, and developmental benefits. The Etihad Rail team briefed him on the latest milestones and expressed pride in the historic visit.

Enhancing connectivity

“Etihad Rail is a vital economic artery that supports the UAE’s journey to the future,” he said. “It is a key pillar in our vision to build an integrated transport network that strengthens the UAE’s position as a leading logistics hub, while facilitating the movement of people and goods.”

With stations planned in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah during the first phase of operations, the railway is expected to serve as a major catalyst for social mobility, tourism, and inter-emirate connectivity. Trains will travel at speeds of up to 200 km/hr, carrying up to 400 passengers per journey, with projected annual ridership reaching 36.5 million by 2030.

MBRAM

^{His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum took the passenger train journey between Dubai and Fujairah. (Image source: WAM)}

The national network will eventually connect 11 cities and regions, stretching from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east. Once fully operational, Etihad Rail will set a new standard for sustainable transport in the region, supporting the UAE’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of Etihad Rail, said, “We had the honour of hosting His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum aboard a passenger train journey between the emirates of Dubai and Fujairah. This exemplifies the unwavering commitment of the UAE's visionary leadership to support national projects that propel the progress of our nation. He has been integral to our journey, witnessing the evolution of our network through its various phases: from the announcement of the ‘Projects of the 50’ in 2021 to the inauguration of the complete national railway network and the commencement of freight train operations in 2023. Today, we stand on the cusp of a transformative era in the UAE's transportation landscape and take immense pride in and deeply appreciate the support we have received for this national project. This is a project that drives us towards a brighter future by strengthening connectivity and economic integration across the UAE, thus, serving the nation’s interests and enhancing its competitiveness on the global stage.”

Also read: Etihad Rail launches its ESG strategy

IVECO celebrates 50 years of operations

New Iveco vehicles at the Madrid truck plant (Image source: Iveco)

A familiar brand in the region, IVECO celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. Shahram Falati, business director for Africa & Middle East, talked to Technical Review Middle East about what to expect next.

It is 50 years since the foundation of truck builder IVECO in 1975, when five leading European industrial vehicle manufacturers came together to lead the way in the transport sector. Today, it is a truly global player, with a manufacturing footprint that includes seven production sites and eight research and development centres spread across Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and Latin America. Its sales and services footprint spans 3,500 outlets, supporting customers in over 160 countries.

To mark the anniversary, IVECO is hosting a series of events throughout 2025, inviting Technical Review Middle East to its Madrid truck plant to speak with Shahram Falati, business director for Africa and the Middle East.

As well as honouring the past and celebrating the present, he was keen to highlight the opportunities ahead, including the possibility of new assembly plants in Nigeria and South Africa. The company already has a depot in South Africa, and in Ethiopia, but recognises the huge long-term potential the continent presents.

“We are seeing an increased requirement by some countries to introduce local industrial activity,” said Falati. “We have a history of assembly projects in the Middle East and Africa area, so we embrace such requests. We have already inaugurated a new assembly plant in Saudi Arabia and are currently looking at a project in Algeria and South Africa.”

There are plans to further highlight the quality differential of the brand too. “We are also strengthening our sales activities in fields where we see high potential for our vehicles, such as our all-wheel offerings, 4x4 and 6x6 and so on, for off-road missions. On top of this, we have plans on facing the tough competition coming from Chinese brands by campaigns which aim at more client awareness on the differences between the various products and services.”

IVECO is investing heavily in future technology, including zero emission engines and bio-fuels, and is keen to introduce what is already being achieved in Europe into Africa and the Middle East.

“Currently our product offering covers all market needs. In fact, we have Euro3 technology on all our ranges from Light to Medium and Heavy Duty. Some of our markets have already transitioned to Euro5 and we have a full range also with this emission level serving our wide customer base. Our current product launches are focused on technology improvements and upgrading of some models. This year we introduced the new Eurocargo Range with enhanced engine and comfort as well as a full Natural Gas Power lineup. Next year, we will also be seeing enhancements to our Daily range bringing us in line with our European offering.”

Major sectors where IVECO trucks are deployed include construction and mining, while oil and gas is also a growing market.

“We are fortunate that in our territory there is an abundance of opportunity and most of our markets have a growth outlook,” said Falati. “For example, in Morocco, the tourism industry is booming and the country will also host the 2030 World Cup. We see a high level of activity, especially on infrastructure, which is exciting as we have all the vehicles needed for these requirements. There is also activity in the commodity segment and the opening of new mines. To capture this highly-demanding client base, we have set up a special project team. We believe we have the correct off-road product offering, and with training of specialised salesmen, I am very optimistic about bridging the gap between demand and offer in this important segment.”

Cairo gets a new logistics centre

Jumia opens 27,000 sq m smart warehouse to boost Egypt e-commerce logistics

Jumia, Africa’s leading e-commerce platform, has taken a significant step in reinforcing its presence in Egypt with the inauguration of a new integrated warehouse on Suez Road, Cairo

This development marks one of Jumia’s largest investments in the country and demonstrates its continued confidence in Egypt’s strategic role in Africa’s economic and logistical landscape.

Spanning over 27,000 sq m, the new facility is designed to optimise Jumia’s logistics capabilities by improving storage efficiency and speeding up deliveries, particularly to Upper Egypt. The warehouse is equipped with advanced smart systems that enhance order processing and customer satisfaction. As a key component of Jumia’s logistics infrastructure, the centre supports the company’s future expansion and aims to better serve merchants and consumers across the country.

This investment aligns with Jumia’s mission to boost Egypt’s digital economy and enhance its service offerings. It will also provide tailored logistics solutions for local manufacturers and merchants, reinforcing the platform’s support for domestic production.

The warehouse is projected to generate up to 10,000 direct and indirect jobs over the coming years, solidifying Jumia’s contribution to national economic development and youth empowerment.

Prime minister Dr Mostafa Madbouly commended the initiative, remarked, "We welcome this move by Jumia, which reflects the trust that major global companies have in Egypt’s investment climate. We look forward to more partnerships that support the state's goals in digital transformation, the development of logistics infrastructure, and the provision of job opportunities for Egyptian youth."

Abdel Latif Olama, CEO of Jumia Egypt, expressed his appreciation for the government’s support, stated, "We are proud of this achievement, which reflects Jumia’s long-term investment commitment in Egypt. We view Egypt as a strategic hub for our operations in the region. This warehouse represents a qualitative leap in the level of services we provide to our customers and partners, and it supports our vision of becoming an integrated platform that combines technology and logistics across the continent. It will also contribute to our growth in the Egyptian market."

Egypt also plays a critical role in Jumia’s tech ecosystem, hosting one of its largest technology hubs on the continent. This centre is home to a skilled team of engineers and developers who are building digital tools and logistics solutions to support operations across Africa.

During the inauguration, Olama delivered a presentation detailing Jumia’s impact in both Egypt and broader African markets. He also outlined plans for future expansion, reaffirming Egypt’s strategic importance to the company.

The launch of this facility is part of Jumia’s wider expansion strategy aimed at strengthening its infrastructure across Africa. Similar logistics centre s have already been established in Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Morocco, reinforcing the company’s role in advancing digital commerce and economic development across the continent.

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