Dubai, UAE -February 6, 2026 – Keolis MHI, the region’s leading rail management and operations company, successfully concluded its annual Management Away day at the University of Birmingham Dubai. In a significant display of leadership alignment, the event was joined by Youenn Dupuis, CEO Middle East and Eastern Asia, and Alistair Gordon, CEO Keolis UK, Middle East and India, alongside the company’s executive team.

The event served as the official launchpad for Strategy Plan 2026, providing a high-level collaborative platform to review the significant breakthroughs of 2025-such as enhanced operational efficiencies and advancements in smart mobility. Central to the day’s agenda were intensive roundtable and workshops, where leadership engaged in deep-dive discussions to address upcoming challenges and define the strategic way forward. By leveraging the latest technologies, these sessions aligned the team on a mission to deliver safe, sustainable, and reliable transport solutions for 2026 and beyond.

Vikas Sardana, Acting Managing Director of Keolis MHI, stated: This annual gathering allows us to reflect on our progress, celebrate our successes, and set ambitious goals for the future. 2025 has been a year of transformation, and as we prepare for 2026, we remain committed to exceeding expectations in operational excellence, sustainability, and customer service. By embracing innovation and cultivating strong collaboration, we will continue to shape the future of public transport and deliver an exceptional passenger experience.”

He added: “Our Strategy Plan 2026 is built on a foundation of innovation and people. By aligning our corporate values with the Year of the Family, we are ensuring that our growth benefits not just our passengers, but the personal well-being of our dedicated staff. We aim to develop a workplace and a transport network that truly feels like home for everyone in the UAE.”

The choice of the University of Birmingham Dubai as the venue highlighted Keolis MHI’s dedication to continuous learning and academic partnership.

As Keolis MHI moves forward, the company remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering cutting-edge mobility solutions while promoting a culture of care, inclusivity, and community impact.

A fleet of 28 Chery plug-in hybrids, including the TIGGO 9 Plug-In Hybrid SUV and Arrizo 8 Plug-In Hybrid sedan, will transport Congress delegates between October 9 and 15, 2025.

“AWR Group is contributing to a more sustainable UAE through responsible practices, environmental stewardship, and impactful partnerships for a thriving future. This collaboration reinforces AWR Group’s sustainability legacy and positions Chery as an international brand driving innovation with purpose. By placing our plug-in hybrid fleet at the service of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, we are amplifying the global agreement that supports environmental protection and furthers UN sustainable development goals,” said Zaher Sabbagh, Director of Chery UAE.

Rising Demand

In line with growing consumer demand, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are increasingly supporting more sustainable lifestyles, underscoring their role in achieving national net zero goals. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its 2024 Global EV Outlook report, sales of new electric cars, which include plug-in hybrids, saw a 35% increase in 2023, reaching almost 14 million vehicles globally.

When hot summers and long driving distances are involved, such as in the Gulf, plug-in hybrids are helping balance efficiency with reliability. For instance, they can provide clean, electric driving in the city while offering the reassurance of a combustion engine for longer trips. The success of plug-in hybrids could accelerate broader adoption of sustainable vehicles, paving the way for a cleaner and more connected future.

Globally, Chery is committed to reducing carbon emissions throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle. At the end of a vehicle’s lifecycle, Chery promotes scrapping, recycling, and reuse. By the end of 2023, all Chery models achieved a 95% recyclability rate and an 85% reusability rate.

The Bigger Picture

In 2021, the World Resources Institute reported that road transportation accounted for nearly 12.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The rise of hybrids and EVs could help cut these figures dramatically. Research from BloombergNEF projects that by 2035, electrified vehicles – including hybrids – could represent over 60% of global passenger vehicle sales. In this context, Chery UAE is pairing product innovation with meaningful community engagement.