Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
A session titled “State of the Rail Industry in the Middle East” conducted during the Middle East Rail conference in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday shed light on the region’s ongoing projects, challenges, and opportunities in the sector. Industry experts from regional rail authorities shared their perspectives, highlighting key trends and developments shaping the sector.
Fatima Al Hashemi, CEO of the Middle East Rail Authority, opened the session by presenting an overview of the rail industry's growth in the Middle East, focusing on major projects and their impact on regional connectivity.
Mohammed Al-Khouri, Director of Rail Operations at the UAE Ministry of Transportation, provided insights into the progress of rail projects in the UAE, including the Dubai Metro extension and the Etihad Rail network expansion.
Ahmed El-Masry, Head of Rail Planning at the Saudi Rail Authority, discussed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ambitious rail projects, such as the Riyadh Metro and the Haramain High-Speed Rail, and their role in enhancing transportation infrastructure in the region.
Hassan Ali, Senior Advisor at Qatar Rail, shared updates on Qatar's rail projects, including the Doha Metro and the Qatar Integrated Railway Project, highlighting their contribution to the country's transportation goals.
The panellists discussed common challenges encountered in the development of rail infrastructure, as well as opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
They also highlighted the importance of regional integration in enhancing rail connectivity across the Middle East, including interoperability, cross-border projects, and the harmonisation of standards.
The session also explored the role of technology in driving efficiency and safety in rail operations, including the adoption of digital signalling, automated train control systems, and predictive maintenance.
The speakers further addressed the growing focus on sustainability in rail projects, discussing initiatives to minimise environmental impact, promote energy efficiency, and enhance the overall sustainability of the rail industry in the Middle East.
