Etihad Rail launches second edition of global rail innovation award
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has announced the launch of the second edition of its Global Rail Innovation Award. This prestigious initiative features an AED 1,000,000 grant designed to inspire and accelerate transformative solutions in transport, mobility, and logistics. The award is open for submissions from startups, research institutions, technology leaders, and innovators worldwide, with finalists and winners to be honored at the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition & Conference 2025, taking place from September 30 to October 2 at ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi.
Driving Innovation and Global Leadership
The Global Rail Innovation Award underscores Etihad Rail's commitment to fostering next-generation advancements in rail and mobility, reinforcing the UAE's role as a global leader in transport innovation.
Award Categories and Eligibility
The competition welcomes solutions addressing key challenges and opportunities in the rail, transport, logistics, and mobility sectors. Entries will be judged on technical originality, commercial viability, scalability, and alignment with future global transport needs. The award is open to participants from around the world, emphasizing Etihad Rail's dedication to global collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Key Dates and Event Details
• Submission Deadline: July 31, 2025
• Finalist Showcase and Winner Announcement: Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition & Conference 2025, September 30 – October 2, ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi
Celebrating Past Achievements
Building on the momentum of the 2024 edition, which attracted over 75 international entries, the award continues to set new benchmarks for innovation. Previous winners include:
• CEMIT – 'Monitoring in Motion': Real-time ride comfort and infrastructure analysis
• LTTS – 'Innovative Way to Detect Visible Rail Defects in Real-Time': AI-driven rail defect detection
• SYSTRA – 'Digital Twin for Railway Infrastructure': Predictive digital twin modeling for rail systems
Impact and Future Opportunities
Winners and finalists will gain international recognition and exclusive visibility at one of the transport sector's most significant gatherings, attended by government ministers, CEOs, investors, and industry leaders. Their innovations will be featured in the official conference program and highlighted in dedicated technical sessions, opening doors to global networking and collaboration with Etihad Rail and its partners.
Next Steps for Participants
Submissions are open until July 31, 2025. Interested innovators can find more details and submit their applications via the official portal: https://www.grtiec.com/innovation-awards/.
This initiative forms part of Etihad Rail's broader mission to build a smarter, more sustainable transport future, positioning the UAE as a hub for innovation and multimodal connectivity.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
24 minutes ago
- Zawya
Noon rolls out Summer support program for riders with cooling gear, hydration, and health checks
Cooling vests, misting trolleys, electrolyte stations, and real-time support for peak summer conditions Regular health checks and hydration drives reinforce noon's commitment to rider safety and dignity Dubai – noon, the region's leading digital marketplace, is stepping up for its riders this summer with a comprehensive welfare initiative focused on protecting their health, comfort, and safety during the hottest months of the year across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. noon is rolling out a wide range of measures to ensure its delivery partners are well-equipped, supported, and cared for during the summer months - both on and off the road. From enhanced health checks to cooling gear and hydration drives, this initiative reflects noon's deep commitment to the people who power its operations every day. Support on the ground this summer includes: noon Minutes: Initiatives include cooling vests, neck protectors, and insulated water bottles. Riders are also provided with heat-resistant uniforms, first aid kits, regular health checks, and electrolyte stations. A 'Need Attention' feature offers real-time support on the road. In partnership with Mai Dubai, noon Minutes supplies over 45,000 gallons of water each month to keep riders hydrated across all dark stores. noon Food: Riders are supported with a full summer care package, including cooling vests, breathable uniforms, hydration kits, and shaded rest stops at hubs and key partner locations like Spinneys and Marina Mall. These stops offer chilled water, beverages, designated parking, and cafeteria access. noon Food riders, including those delivering for NowNow, receive extra perks like thermal bottles and monthly meal distributions. Support also includes flexible shifts, balanced order assignments, real-time on-ground help from field captains, safety training, quick gear replacements, wellness check-ins, and a summer toolkit with cooling towels and sippers to stay safe during peak heat. noon also gently encourages customers to support riders through small gestures - like offering a glass of water - as a simple way to appreciate their effort and dedication. ABOUT was founded with the objective of fostering an ecosystem of regionally based digital companies in order to secure the region's digital landscape's future. noon's mission is to provide customers and companies in the Middle East region with outstanding value and support. On December 12th, 2017, noon launched its consumer platform in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. noon debuted in Egypt in February 2019 and has since evolved to become the largest online shopping destination in the Middle East. Primarily a digital e-commerce platform powered by in-house technological talent, noon has swiftly developed strong native capabilities throughout its marketplace, fulfillment, logistics, and payment systems.
Zawya
24 minutes ago
- Zawya
EDGE recognised as ‘Best Company to Work For' at the Employee Happiness Awards 2025
EDGE wins gold in 'Best Company to Work For' category, further elevating its reputation as an employer of choice for top talents to thrive. Abu Dhabi, UAE: EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, has been awarded gold in the 'Best Company to Work For - Large' category at the Employee Happiness Awards 2025 (EHA 2025), a platform that recognises companies and human resources (HR) professionals who promote happiness and well-being in the workplace. The award reflects EDGE's unwavering dedication to HR best practices, employee satisfaction, and constant innovation. Sana Al Daoumi, Senior Vice President of Human Capital, EDGE, said: 'Our relentless pursuit of excellence in HR continues to drive our successes. This award belongs to every team member whose passion, dedication, and care make our culture exceptional. As a testament to our team's hard work and commitment to people-first practices, this award further elevates EDGE as an organisation that values its people and fosters a culture of continuous improvement in HR.' The latest HR award follows EDGE's certification as a Great Place to Work® in December 2024, reinforcing its reputation as an employer of choice and organisation where top talents thrive in a a dynamic, supportive, and innovative workplace. About EDGE Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly-skilled talent to thrive. With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators, international partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 35 entities into six core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Trading & Mission Support, Technology & Innovation, and Homeland Security.
Zawya
25 minutes ago
- Zawya
Strong consumer spending and evolving retail landscapes fuel economic resilience in the Gulf
UAE market is fragmented between affordable and premium brands, while KSA market is skewed towards mainstream brands with the value players picking up UAE/KSA: The Middle East continues to distinguish itself as a global economic outperformer, with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia leading the charge. While global GDP growth is projected at 3.2% in 2025, the UAE is expected to grow by 4.0% and Saudi Arabia by 3.0%, with further acceleration anticipated through 2027. Consumers across these regions continue to demonstrate strong resilience amid ongoing challenges. This robust performance is underpinned by strategic international partnerships, balancing ties with both BRICS and Western economies, alongside targeted investments in digital transformation and a young, digitally connected population. Consumer Markets Show Resilience Amid Economic Transition Consumer spending remains strong across both markets, though increasingly value-driven. In the UAE, spending on Tech & Durables (T&D) from April 2024 to March 2025 reached $5.3 billion, marking a 2% year-over-year increase. Key growth categories include Smartphones, Media Tablets, Vacuum Cleaners, and Headsets. The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector in the UAE also saw a 7% increase, driven by rising demand for Snacking, Beverages, Dairy, and Frozen Foods, with Personal Care spending up 6%. In Saudi Arabia, growth was more moderate but steady: FMCG rose by 3.3%, and T&D by 0.2%. Notable category gains include Petcare (+10%) and Snacking (+9%), reflecting evolving lifestyle priorities, while Paper Products and Home Care saw declines. Retail Channels Evolve: Value and E-Commerce Gain Ground Retail dynamics are shifting rapidly. In the UAE, Traditional Trade Channels outpaced Organised Retail, with FMCG growth of 10% versus 3.2%, while T&D saw balanced growth across both. E-commerce continues to expand its footprint. In the UAE, it now accounts for 30% of T&D and 11% of FMCG sales, up from 9% a year ago. In Saudi Arabia, online sales are also rising, with a 7.7% increase in T&D and a 1.4 percentage point gain in FMCG e-commerce share. 'The economic momentum we're witnessing across the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, is a testament to the region's strategic vision and adaptability,' says Andrey Dvoychenkov, General Manager, NielsenIQ APP. 'Consumers today are more empowered, informed, and value-driven than ever before. We're seeing strong growth in both premium and value segments, and a rapid evolution in retail channels—especially online. For brands, success hinges on relevance, agility, and a deep understanding of consumer expectations.' Brand Competition Intensifies in a Crowded Marketplace The region's economic promise is attracting a surge of global brands. In the FMCG sector, Saudi Arabia now hosts over 10.500 active brands (up 5% YoY), while the UAE features 13,000 brands (up 6%). SKU counts are also rising, with 130,000 SKUs in the UAE and nearly 100,000 in Saudi Arabia. The T&D sector is similarly competitive; the number of active brands has seen great increase with 18% and 21% respectively in UAE and KSA. SKUs have also seen more than 50% growth across both markets. This creates a vibrant but crowded landscape, requiring sharper brand strategies and deeper consumer insights. Premium vs. Value: The Rise of the Strategic Shopper Middle Eastern consumers are increasingly discerning, balancing premium aspirations with value-driven choices. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia recorded double-digit growth in premium and value FMCG segments, highlighting a bifurcated market. In T&D, value segments grew 6% in KSA and 3% in the UAE, despite the category's premium lean. This underscores two key trends: the rise of price-conscious decision-making and the growing availability of competitive alternatives. As the Middle East continues its upward trajectory, global brands are positioning themselves to seize the opportunity. But success will depend on a nuanced understanding of the region's evolving consumer landscape—from digital trust and pricing sensitivity to channel dynamics and assortment strategy. About NielsenIQ NIQ is a leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. NIQ combined with GfK in 2023, bringing together two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. Our global reach spans over 90 countries covering approximately 85% of the world's population and more than $ 7.2 trillion in global consumer spend. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. For more information, please visit
