Onset of the first metro rail system in Riyadh, with six rail lines extending 176 kilometers and carrying electric, driverless trains is projected by Saudi officials to be the world's largest public transport system. To discuss on how to have a world class railway line built within The Kingdom coupled with the overall development of Saudi Arabia, 5th Annual Middle East Rail Opportunities commenced yesterday in Riyadh.

The summit kicked off with an opening speech by the chairman, Loay Ghazaleh from Ministry of Works, Bahrain. Adel Alawadhi, Serco, General Manager Saudi Arabia (Official Rail Operator), enlightened the audience through his brief presentation on Road, Traffic and Transportation. He also expanded on early operator involvement and activities (the design input and reviews). First half of the summit also heard from Xu Zongxiang, Vice President at CSR (Gold Sponsor) on bringing green to the world.

Dr. Shahid Khan, Project Director from Saudi Binladin Group presented highlights of heavy hual railway line construction in arid regions. This presentation was followed by a special panel on prioritizing rail in the GCC region led by representatives from SAPTCO, Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens Development (RATP Dev), Italcertifer and AEbt Applied Railway Technology. The panel answered questions related to identifying new corridors for rail extensions and expansions reliability, maintenance, flexibility, integration of existing rail infrastructure and also on incorporating the next generation of technology.

Post luncheon, Secretary General of CIT – Rail, Cesare Brand dispensed his views on the business advantages of international railway law for railway undertakings on the Arabian peninsula. The most occurred damages in the wheel/rail system are wear, head checks and corrugation. Voestalpine (Networking Sponsor) enlighted attendees on how to substantially delay the occurrence and development of such defects.

As day one draws close to an end the participants got an opportunity to network and interact with each other over coffee. First day of the summit concluded with a presentation on 'Future Rail' by the chairperson, Loay Gazaleh. He provided with an overview relating to future rail with focus on high speed rolling stock. Last panel discussion on best practices from across the region will be led by representatives from Ministry of Works, Bahrain, SAPTCO, RATP Dev and Kapsch CarrierCom.

On 6th May, final day of 5th Annual Middle East Rail Opportunities will throw light on operating the railway infrastructure and information systems & designing. Director at Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias (ADIF), Luis Sánchez Monserrat will talk about the Haramain High Speed Rail Project. He will provide details on the operations of Phase I and Plan of action for Phase II.

To provide a legal perspective on current situation François Davenne from Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF) will deliver a presentation on developing international railway traffic and industry through uniform law. Dr. Ibrahim F. Alghofaily, Founder & CEO of Arriyada Financial & Economic Consultant Center will demonstrate innovative financing structuring for PPP, BOT & Concession Infra – structures: railways & metros development projects. The summit will conclude with a panel discussion on The Future of the Railway Network led by seniors from MASIC, L-3 Communications, Bradken and CSR.

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