Keolis MHI Strengthens Female Representation in UAE Transport Sector
Dubai, UAE – March 13, 2026: Coinciding with the celebration of International Women’s Day, Keolis MHI, the company responsible for operating and maintaining the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram, has highlighted its continued commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality within the organization.
The company revealed that women now represent 28% of its total workforce and 22% of leadership positions, demonstrating the growing role of female professionals in the transport sector. Additionally, women hold 6% of technical and engineering roles, reflecting increasing participation in specialized fields traditionally dominated by men.
Commitment to Gender Equality
Keolis MHI’s commitment to diversity and equal opportunities was recognized through the European and International Gender Equality Standard (GEEIS) certification. This recognition confirms the company’s dedication to implementing international best practices in workplace equality and diversity policies.
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s “Year of the Community / Family in the Emirates 2026”, emphasizing the importance of women’s empowerment as a key factor in strengthening social stability and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Leadership Perspective on Women Empowerment
Faisal Sardana, Managing Director representing Keolis MHI, stated that International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to reaffirm the company’s commitment to empowering women across all sectors of transportation.
He noted that Keolis MHI aims to create a supportive and innovative work environment that encourages women to participate in leadership roles and specialized technical positions. This approach aligns with the UAE’s national vision to enhance women’s participation in vital sectors and support sustainable development.
Sardana also emphasized that professional development and specialized training programs are key elements of the company’s strategy. These programs are designed to improve leadership capabilities and technical expertise among female employees.
Women in Advanced Operations and Technology
Female professionals at Keolis MHI play a vital role in operational management and transport system monitoring, including overseeing schedules in control centers and coordinating field operations teams.
Women engineers and specialists are also involved in safety management, operational risk assessment, and quality assurance, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of Dubai’s public transportation services.
In the field of digital transformation and smart maintenance, female professionals contribute to operational data analysis and the development of innovative technical solutions that enhance system performance and efficiency.
Building an Inclusive Work Environment
Shalini Taneja, Deputy Director of Human Resources at Keolis MHI, highlighted that diversity and inclusion are core pillars of the company’s strategy. She stated that the organization strives to create a workplace that provides equal opportunities for career growth and professional development for all employees.
Taneja added that Keolis MHI continues to invest in training programs, leadership development initiatives, and skill enhancement opportunities aimed at supporting women in advancing their careers.
She also noted that receiving the GEEIS certification in 2022 reflects the company’s long-term commitment to gender equality and fair opportunities within the workplace.
According to her, supporting women’s participation in the workforce contributes to building a more sustainable economy and a stronger, more inclusive society, which aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of empowering women in all sectors.
About Keolis MHI
Keolis MHI is the company responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram under a 15-year contract with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The contract includes nine base years and six renewable years, starting in 2021.
The company is a joint venture formed by Keolis (France), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering, and Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan.
Keolis MHI employs more than 1,700 professionals trained according to international standards, focusing on delivering exceptional passenger experiences while maintaining the highest levels of safety, service availability, performance, innovation, and digital transformation.
Globally, Keolis operates in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia, employing over 68,000 people worldwide and providing transportation services including trains, trams, and public bus networks.
The company’s operations are guided by core values emphasizing safety, innovation, and commitment to service excellence.