RITES, India’s premier transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering firm, has entered a strategic partnership with UAE-based Etihad Rail to strengthen infrastructure development collaboration in the Gulf region. The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to leverage RITES’ five decades of engineering and consultancy expertise with Etihad Rail’s National Infrastructure Construction Company (NICC) execution capabilities, targeting high-impact projects across the UAE and beyond.
The MoU, signed during the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition & Conference in Abu Dhabi, signals RITES’ intent to expand its international footprint under its global initiative ‘RITES Videsh’. The partnership is expected to create operational synergies, combining design, planning, and consultancy excellence with robust execution, thereby accelerating the delivery of sustainable and technologically advanced rail and transport projects. Officials highlighted that the collaboration will focus on sustainable infrastructure solutions that integrate modern engineering practices, eco-friendly design principles, and gender-neutral project approaches. The move is also seen as a significant step in supporting regional mobility and smart transport networks, which are central to urban planning and climate-conscious development strategies in the UAE.
“By combining RITES’ consultancy expertise with NICC’s construction capabilities, the partnership sets a new benchmark in international infrastructure collaboration,” said a senior RITES official. “The initiative will focus on delivering high-quality, sustainable transport solutions that align with global best practices.” RITES’ involvement spans the entire project lifecycle, from conceptual planning and design to execution oversight, ensuring compliance with environmental and engineering standards. The collaboration will also explore innovative technologies in rail electrification, signalling systems, and project monitoring to enhance efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of transport infrastructure projects.
Etihad Rail officials noted that the partnership would bolster the UAE’s strategic infrastructure ambitions, contributing to enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and long-term urban mobility solutions. The agreement positions RITES as a key international partner in shaping the future of transport infrastructure in the region. Industry experts believe that such cross-border collaborations are essential for integrating advanced consultancy services with local execution expertise, particularly for large-scale rail and urban transport projects. The alliance is expected to strengthen regional cooperation, encourage knowledge transfer, and support the development of eco-friendly and equitable urban mobility networks.
The MoU underscores the growing trend of Indian engineering firms expanding their global presence, particularly in the Middle East, where infrastructure demand is rising. Analysts view this move as part of RITES’ broader strategy to diversify international operations while contributing to sustainable development goals and climate-resilient transport infrastructure globally. As global cities focus on zero-carbon, smart, and inclusive urban mobility, collaborations like these are poised to redefine standards for infrastructure consultancy and execution, promoting more sustainable, gender-neutral, and efficient transport solutions.
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