Dubai Metro: UAE Etihad Rail operator Keolis appoints Yoen Dupuis as CEO ahead of launch of passenger services | World News

If you’ve ridden the Dubai Metro or tram recently, you’ll have experienced the precision of Keolis. Now, the global leader in shared mobility is entering a new chapter. The group has officially appointed Yoen Dupuis as its new CEO for the Middle East and East Asia. Based in the UAE, Dupuis is taking on a high-stakes role with millions of people moving through some of the world’s most advanced cities every day.

Keolis names new CEO

Keolis Group, a major global public transport network operator, has appointed Yoen Dupuis as CEO of the Middle East and East Asia. This decisive leadership change is part of Keolis’ plan to expand its footprint and accelerate modern rail and automated metro services in key growth markets.In his new regional role, Dupuis will drive strategic planning, operations and partnerships in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and China, overseeing some of the world’s most advanced transportation networks.

Who is Yon Dupuis?

Yoen Dupuis brings a wealth of experience to Keolis’ regional leadership position. Prior to this appointment, he spent more than a decade leading Keolis’ operations in the greater Paris area, growing it into a €1 billion business with 8,500 employees and strengthening its reputation for service. He has also managed major transportation platforms such as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games transportation operations, demonstrating his ability to handle complex, high-risk transportation environments.Keolis International CEO Laurence Broseta praised Dupuis’ record, noting his deep expertise in managing large networks and his ability to build strong relationships with public authorities and partners around the world.Dupuis himself highlighted the region’s commitment to visionary infrastructure and innovation, saying that combining global expertise with local insight will be a top priority under his leadership.

Manage traffic in Dubai

In his new role, Dupuis carries a heavy briefcase. He is now responsible for the Keolis MHI joint venture, the entity commissioned by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to operate and maintain the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram. His mission is clear: maintain the world-class safety standards that Dubai is known for, while integrating new smart technologies. Under his leadership, the focus is likely to remain on passenger happiness, punctuality and helping residents get the “last mile” connection from station to front door.While Dubai is the main focus, Dupuis’s territory extends far beyond the Arabian Gulf. His remit includes overseeing Keolis’ businesses in China (including the Shanghai Metro and the Greater Bay Area) and Australia, where it manages a vast tram and bus network. By bridging the gap between Middle Eastern innovation and East Asian efficiency, Dupuis aims to create a “knowledge corridor” that will bring the best transport practices from Shanghai and Melbourne to the streets of Dubai and Doha.

The future of travel

The appointment comes as the UAE redoubles its commitment to sustainable development. Under Dupuis, Keolis has signaled a major push for decarbonization. This includes exploring electric bus fleets, energy-efficient station cooling, and data-driven maintenance to prevent delays. This change in leadership may be happening behind the scenes for the average commuter, but the result should be a smoother, greener and more reliable journey every time you swipe your Nol card.