L to R: Azza Alsuwaidi, deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, and Islam Abdul Karim, regional head, Yango Group Middle East signing the MoU/Image: Supplied
Yango Group, a global technology company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, at the second edition of the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition & Conference in Abu Dhabi. The agreement establishes a framework to integrate Yango’s first- and last-mile ride-hailing solutions into the upcoming passenger rail service, creating a more convenient and seamless end-to-end travel experience.
Under the MoU, the two companies will coordinate operational processes at and around Etihad Rail stations. This includes designated passenger pick-up and drop-off zones, streamlined vehicle entry and exit procedures, and peak-hour traffic management strategies aimed at reducing congestion. These steps are designed to ensure passengers experience a smooth, efficient, and accessible journey.
The agreement also outlines a second phase of collaboration focused on technical integration. Future plans could allow passengers to plan and book their entire journey through a single platform—for example, purchasing rail tickets via the Yango app or booking Yango rides directly through Etihad Rail’s digital channels. The objective is to deliver a unified travel planning and payment experience.
Supporting the UAE’s growing passenger rail network
Etihad Rail’s passenger service is set to launch in 2026, connecting 11 cities and regions across the UAE with trains carrying up to 400 passengers at speeds of up to 200 km/h. By 2030, annual ridership is forecast to reach 36.5 million, creating significant demand for reliable first- and last-mile connectivity. Yango Group brings global expertise to the partnership, having completed 1.2 billion trips with 2.1 million registered partner drivers across more than 30 countries.
Azza Alsuwaidi, deputy CEO of Etihad Rail Mobility, said: “This partnership with Yango Group reflects our commitment to delivering an integrated and sustainable mobility ecosystem. As we move towards the launch of passenger services in 2026, we are setting new benchmarks for seamless, convenient, safe, and reliable travel across the UAE.”
Read: Etihad Rail on track to launch passenger services by 2026
Islam Abdul Karim, regional head, Yango Group Middle East, added: “Partnering with Etihad Rail allows us to bring advanced mobility technology to one of the region’s most ambitious transport projects. By enabling a shift towards rail and shared mobility, the collaboration supports integrated travel and enhanced point-to-point connectivity between emirates for residents and visitors alike.”
Passenger appetite for integrated mobility solutions is rising rapidly. In Dubai alone, public transport, shared mobility, and taxi services served about 395.3 million riders in the first half of 2025, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The Etihad Rail–Yango Group partnership responds directly to this demand, paving the way for a multimodal transport ecosystem that sets new standards for convenience and connectivity in the UAE.
