Keolis, the public transport operator whose ventures run the Dubai Metro and Doha Metro, has opened a regional headquarters in Dubai to oversee its Middle East operations and pursue new transport contracts, the company said on Wednesday.
The office will serve as a hub for the group’s regional business and bring it closer to the public transport authorities it already works for, according to Gulf News.
Keolis said it will target metro, light rail, intercity and high-speed rail projects in the region. It also plans to bid for bus rapid transit networks and alternative-energy bus fleets.
Through a joint venture, the group has managed the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram in Qatar since 2018, including during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In the UAE, Keolis MHI began operating and maintaining the Dubai Metro and operating the Dubai Tram in 2021 for the Roads and Transport Authority. The networks serve around one million passengers a day.
This year, Keolis also launched the UAE’s first passenger railway service through a joint venture with Etihad Rail.
“The Middle East is a key growth market for Keolis,” said Frédéric Van Heems, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Keolis Group. “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, Chief Executive Officer of Keolis Middle East, Asia and Pacific Zone, said the office “will allow us to work more closely with our clients and support the region’s major mobility projects.”
The company said it will also offer first- and last-mile services, including micromobility, on-demand and autonomous transport, and will prioritize artificial intelligence applications in mobility.
