UAE on the world map for transport, roads

The Federal Transport Authority's (FTA) contribution to the conference is part of its commitment to support the UAE's goals in becoming a leading country in the railway sector, as well as gathering all ministries of transport in the GCC to move ahead with developing the railway network in the GCC.

Dubai: The 10th edition of the Middle East Rail exhibition opened on Tuesday, with over 300 exhibitors in attendance from around the world.
Held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the exhibition covers a space of 18,000sqm, and represents a 25 per cent increase from last year's exhibition. Over 9,000 visitors from across the globe are set to attend the event, including 600 VIP government officials.
The event also features the third edition of the Middle East Rail Conference, which is held in partnership between the Federal Transport Authority - Land & Maritime, Ministry of Infrastructure Development, and Sheikh Zayed Housing Programe, whom share the same objective of positioning the UAE as a global hub for rail and transport development and innovation.
The Federal Transport Authority's (FTA) contribution to the conference is part of its commitment to support the UAE's goals in becoming a leading country in the railway sector, as well as gathering all ministries of transport in the GCC to move ahead with developing the railway network in the GCC. Another objective, which the FTA aims to contribute to, is to provide safe and effective network of railways and develop excellent and innovate logistics services across the GCC region.
In his opening remarks, Dr Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minster of Infrastructure Development, and Chairman of the Federal Transport Authority - Land & Maritime, said that he was pleased to witness the achievements of the conference addressing the significant growth in the railway industry. "The UAE has been able to position itself on the world map in leading on the transport, roads and railway sector. This vital sector plays an important role in the country's economy as one of the world's most developed economies," he said.
GCC Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs Abdullah Bin Juma Al Shibli told delegates at the Middle East Rail Conference that 1,200km rail project costing $250 billion will go ahead. He did not discuss time-frame to complete the project, but said the technical specifications and the legal framework of the cross-border regional rail network would be completed this year.
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com