Dubai to host inaugural RailX conference in 2027

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Monday that Dubai will host the inaugural RailX conference from May 31 to June 2, 2027, at the World Trade Centre.

The conference has been labelled a landmark global event for the rail and mobility sector, bringing together experts, investors and industry specialists from around the world, sparking dialogue and ambitious strategic projects to produce better transport systems for the future.

Formed under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, the conference will bring together 5,000 attendees from over 80 countries, as well as over 70 keynote speakers, around 60 exhibitors and more than 1,500 delegates.

The RTA also announced the five key pillars they will base their future progress from the conference on: reach, advance, invest, link and experience.

In particular, the RTA hopes that the sharing of ideas and consultations with investors at the conference will result in developments in train design, systems integration, major project management, operational efficiency and passenger experience.

With Dubai's population expected to hit 10 million by 2032, the RTA are planning roads and networks for 20 years ahead in preparation, with major extensions planned to the road network by 2030.

There is also a study currently underway assessing the potential for a 55-km train line linking Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, with the results expected to be released in a year's time.