Dubai Metro operator Keolis MHI has won three awards at the 2026 Global Light Rail Awards, including recognition for improvements to the rail system and measures to strengthen its resilience against flooding.
Keolis MHI received the Most Improved System – Rail Sight award and two Project of the Year Under £50 Million awards for the Dubai Metro Reinstatement Project and Dubai Metro Flood Defense Quick Wins.
The awards were presented at a ceremony in London on October 7, 2026, recognising work carried out in Dubai’s urban rail network.
The recognition for the flood defence project highlights the operator’s work on measures designed to strengthen the metro’s resilience. However, the announcement did not provide details of the specific measures implemented or their expected impact on services during severe weather.
Operator highly commended in global competition
Keolis MHI was also highly commended in the Worldwide Operator of the Year category, in which operators are assessed alongside international peers.
The company was shortlisted in six categories, including Technical Innovation of the Year, Most Improved System, Project of the Year, Worldwide Operator of the Year, Vision of the Year, and Environmental & Sustainability Initiative.
The awards build on previous recognition for the operator, which won the Vision of the Year award in 2024 and the Judges’ Special Award in 2025.
What the operator said
Vikas Sardana, managing director of Keolis MHI, said: “These recognitions are a testament to the dedication, expertise and collaborative spirit of our people and partners. Being recognized across system performance, project delivery and global operations demonstrates the strength of our approach to delivering safe, reliable and resilient public transport services.”
He added: “We are particularly proud that our work in improving system performance and strengthening resilience has been recognized alongside the quality of our project delivery. These achievements reinforce our commitment to continuously raising standards and contributing to Dubai’s vision for a smart, sustainable and world-class public transport system.”
Keolis MHI operates Dubai Metro and Tram. The Global Light Rail Awards are organised annually by Mainspring and presented by the railway publication Tramways & Urban Transit, recognising achievements in the operation, maintenance and development of urban rail systems worldwide.
