Keolis Names Youenn Dupuis CEO for ME & East Asia

Dubai, UAE – February 21, 2026:

Keolis Group, the France-headquartered global operator in shared mobility and public transport, has appointed Youenn Dupuis as Chief Executive Officer for the Middle East and Eastern Asia. The move underscores the company’s focus on strengthening its leadership presence in two of the world’s fastest-growing and most technologically advanced transport markets.

In his new role, Dupuis will oversee the expansion, performance, and strategic direction of Keolis’ regional portfolio, which includes automated metro systems, tramway networks, and passenger rail operations. He will be responsible for maintaining high standards of operational excellence, safety, innovation, and passenger experience across multiple large-scale mobility projects.

Oversight Across Key Regional Markets

Dupuis’ remit spans several major transport networks and growth initiatives:

United Arab Emirates and Qatar:

He will supervise operations of the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram, operated through Keolis MHI, as well as Qatar’s Doha Metro and Lusail Tram. These networks are widely regarded as among the most advanced automated urban transit systems globally.

National UAE Expansion:

Dupuis will also lead the joint venture between Etihad Rail and Keolis to launch the UAE’s first national passenger rail services, scheduled for 2026. The landmark project aims to enhance connectivity across all seven emirates, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transportation development strategy.

China Operations:

In Eastern Asia, he will oversee Keolis’ automated metro and tramway operations in China, a market recognized for its scale, rapid urbanization, and advanced public transport infrastructure.

Strategic Development:

Beyond operational management, Dupuis is tasked with driving long-term regional growth by building partnerships with public authorities and stakeholders. The focus will be on delivering next-generation mobility solutions aligned with smart city initiatives and sustainable transport goals.

Leadership Backed by International Experience

Laurence Broseta, CEO International of Keolis Group, said the appointment reflects the company’s confidence in Dupuis’ ability to manage complex networks and deliver high-quality service in competitive markets. Broseta highlighted Dupuis’ experience leading large-scale operations, including his role in overseeing transport services during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Dupuis joins the regional leadership team after serving for a decade as CEO of Keolis in the Greater Paris Region. During his tenure, he expanded the business into a €1 billion enterprise employing 8,500 people. He also managed the transition of public transport services to a more competitive framework and secured major contracts such as the Grand Paris Express and CDG Express projects.

Focus on Smart and Sustainable Mobility

Commenting on his appointment, Dupuis said the Middle East and Eastern Asia are at the forefront of smart, automated, and sustainable mobility solutions. He noted that his priorities include strengthening existing operations in Dubai, Doha, and China, while ensuring the successful rollout of new rail partnerships in the UAE.

The appointment signals Keolis Group’s intent to deploy experienced leadership to support the rapid expansion of urban and regional rail networks, as governments across the Middle East and Asia invest heavily in sustainable, technology-driven public transport systems.