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Workshop
event

UITP MENA Rail Workshop: Shaping the Future of Rail

Where
Al Ghadeer Meeting Room, Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Financial District, Riyadh, KSA
When
16 > 17 Apr. 2025
9:00 am
Organiser
Organiser Logo

About

The MENA Rail Workshop will bring together rail professionals, industry leaders, and sector representatives to discuss the latest developments in rail transportation across the region, along with emerging technological advancements. As one of the fastest-growing regions for rail investment, MENA has seen significant progress, including the inauguration of six fully automated metro lines in Riyadh, now serving 1.9 million passengers daily.

Despite these advancements, urban rail systems in the region face unique challenges, particularly in achieving sustainability and operational efficiency.

This workshop will provide a platform for professionals from MENA and around the world to share insights, discuss common challenges, and explore best practices. Participants will be encouraged to engage in discussions, exchange expertise, and contribute to innovative solutions for the future of urban rail transport and best practices.

Additionally, the recent launch of the Rail MENA Platform for UITP members will enable industry leaders to collaborate, stay informed on regional developments, exchange knowledge and further establish, and strengthen partnerships. If you are a UITP member, and interested in accessing exclusive data, research, and best practices tailored to the unique challenges of urban rail in MENA, reach out to [email protected] to learn more.

Here’s what you can learn during the workshop:

  • Keeping Rail Systems Running – Learn how digital tools like AI help rail networks stay operational despite extreme weather.

  • Better Connections for Passengers – Explore how rail, buses, and other transport modes can work together for a smoother travel experience.

  • Funding Strategies for Rail Projects – Discover how various financing models for rail projects can bridge the funding gap, support long terms rail operations and align with economic and sustainability goals.

  • undefined logo
    Özgür SOY
    Executive Chairman of the Board Metro Istanbul
    Turkey
  • undefined logo
    Nasser Al QAHTANI
    Director at GCC Railways Authority
    Saudi Arabia
  • undefined logo
    Dr. Yıldıray YEDİKARDEŞ
    Deputy General Manager at Metro Istanbul
    Istanbul, Turkey
  • undefined logo
    Khalid MOHAMMED ALTHANAYAN
    Director of Safety and Efficiency for Urban Railways
    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • undefined logo
    Ahmad ISMAIL
    Intercity Railway Safety and Efficiency Director
    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • undefined logo
    Bader ALHUJAILAN
    Railway Deputy, TGA
    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • undefined logo
    Salim REFAS
    Regional Commercial Director at Alstom
    Riyadh | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • undefined logo
    Armando FOMBELLA
    General Manager of Renfe KSA and Vice President of SSTPC
    Saudi Arabia
  • undefined logo
    Anan AL AMRI
    Section Head - Alternative & Sustainable Mobility, Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility)
    United Arab Emirates
  • undefined logo
    Alexandra ROMANOVA
    Principal at Roland Berger Middle East Office
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • undefined logo
    Mohamed MEZGHANI*
    Secretary General - *on behalf of Mohamed Mezghani SARL Secretary General's Office
    +32-2 788 01 16
    Belgium
  • undefined logo
    Jaspal SINGH
    Sr Director Membership & Global Operations Membership & Global Operations
    +1-647 860 2235
    Canada
  • undefined logo
    Feyzullah GÜNDOGDU
    Head of Eurasia RO & Senior Adviser Product & Business Development Unit Events & Academy Services
    +905077811020
    Turkey
  • undefined logo
    Dure SHEWAR
    Manager MENA office Membership & Global Operations
    +971-4-290 55 78
    United Arab Emirates
  • undefined logo
    Rana AKIKI
    Manager, Kearney Middle East
    United Arab Emirates
  • undefined logo
    Rui SILVA
    General Manager of Public Transport Corporation KSA
    Saudi Arabia
  • undefined logo
    Gabriel VALPUESTA
    Quality Manager of Renfe KSA and Service Quality and Performance Manager of SSTPC
    Saudi Arabia
  • undefined logo
    Frank FULICK
    Flow Consortium Deputy Project Director, Operations & Infrastructure Maintenance
    Saudi Arabia
View all
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