Billion dollar transport and rail infrastructure projects top of the agenda across the Middle East and North Africa

ÒTransport integration - from the establishment of Transport Organising Authorities to new technologies that enable integrated travel information, management tools and electronic ticketing plus interchange stations - is a key element of the planning being undertaken by governments across the region,Ó said Sarah Woodbridge, Group Director Exhibitions, IIR Middle East - organisers of the Gulf Traffic Exhibition and Conference, which was specifically created to support the development of the regionÕs transportation capabilities, and in direct response to strong regional demand for an event that brings together international manufacturers and suppliers offering the very latest products, services and technology for the traffic and transport industry.

Supported by DubaiÕs Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), the event (which incorporates MENA Rail) is staged every two years at Dubai International Exhibition Centre, and is the Middle EastÕs largest and most comprehensive international transport event, attracting over 200 exhibiting companies from over 30 countries in 2005.

ÒThe RTA is fully committed to creating a world class transport infrastructure in Dubai, and to achieve this we are drawing on the international best practices. The Gulf Traffic Exhibition and Conference has an important role to play Ð not just for Dubai and the UAE, but for the entire Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA), as it gives the regionÕs decision makers the opportunity to meet global experts and to see the latest developments, products and services that can help them address the pressing transportation needs that exist,Ó said H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority.

A perfect example of the strategy being employed by countries throughout the region, the RTA has given highest priority to the public transport and mass transit sector and is keen to develop it further in terms of quality, efÞciency and modernisation. At the same time, the RTAÕs main focus is on providing manpower trained to international standards, follow-up maintenance, operational efÞciency and trafÞc safety. Transport systems are being benchmarked against the best in the industry, including regular comparisons of the implemented services and systems with major international cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Paris and London, with RTA delegations continually visiting their counterparts and interacting with international transport bodies to ensure the implementation of international standards and industry best practice.

By creating one single entity that governs all sectors of transport, the Government of Dubai, through the RTA is striving towards providing an integrated system of mass transit using buses, marine transport, metro and trams.

The RTA has devised an ambitious plan to increase the uplift share of mass transit in the number of trips to 30% - this includes the implementation of the Dubai Metro project at a base cost in excess of AED 15.8 billion, development of public transport with an increase in the number of buses, trips, routes and services with an ultimate goal of 1,200 buses in the ßeet by 2008. Marine transport projects are also underway at a cost of over AED 1 billion.

Also in the UAE, Abu DhabiÕs master development plan includes an inter-city train network and metro lines. The plan, aimed to develop the emirate up to 2030, will see an expansion of the transport network to accommodate the expected growth of Abu Dhabi's population to 3 million by that year. "Intensive work is needed to develop the UAE to the level of the most advanced nations," said His Highness Shaikh Khalifa, President of the UAE. The master plan includes the building of an inter-city rail network as well as metro lines in addition to the expansion of the city through a network of roads.

This November, Saudi Arabia will receive proposals from four consortia for the construction of its long awaited railway project. Abdulaziz Al Huqail, President of the SRO (Saudi Railways Organisation), said the project includes construction of a 950 kilometre railway from Jeddah to link with the existing Dammam-Riyadh railway, a new 115 kilometre line from Dammam to Jubail, as well as numerous projects to upgrade Saudi's existing rail network. The project is expected to add significant value to the national economy, and will serve all of the GCC states. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Finance has also awarded a US$765 million contract to a group comprising Mitsui & Co. Ltd, Barclay Mowlem Ltd. and Al Rashid to provide civil and track work services for a 508 mile stretch of the new North South Railway line.

In addition, Saudi Arabia will build a line of over 1,000 miles to move phosphate from Jalamid and bauxite from Zabirah to the Ras Azoor seaport on the Arabian Gulf Coast. The country also plans to construct a Makkah Madinah high-speed passenger rail line. This project will contribute significantly to the transportation of commodities and containers and will add to the development of the three main regions it covers; Riyadh, Makkah region and the eastern province. More than 70% of the country's population and business is concentrated in these three regions.

Elsewhere, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad underlined the need to develop public transportation systems, especially rail services, saying that Iran has a lot of economic potential and emphasising that officials must plan carefully to develop intra-city and inter-city rail services. Stressing that the public transportation systems of large cities must undergo major changes, Ahmadinejad expressed the government's readiness to help develop rail systems to provide people with better services. The government has announced plans to encourage people to use public transportation and promote a greener environment through the improvement of inner-city transportation systems.

ÒActivity throughout the region is at an all-time high, and the level of government commitment will see this intensify yet further,Ó added Woodbridge. ÒThe potential for regional and international companies involved in the transport industry offers great opportunities, especially given the essential nature of the long term development objectives - against this level of activity, itÕs no surprise that Gulf Traffic 2007 will be the biggest and most important event of its kind ever seen in the region, and one that is receiving considerable interest around the world.Ó

Comprehensively covering all aspects of roads, rail, metro, bridges, construction, tunneling and infrastructure, and supported by leading international bodies including UBI France, Bayern International (Germany), ITS South Africa and The Railway Industry Association (UK), Gulf Traffic 2007 takes place from the 10th to 12th December 2007 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre.