A delegation from Saudi Arabia’s transport sector, led by the Transport General Authority, recently visited the United Kingdom (UK) Department for Transport in London to activate the memorandum of understanding signed between both countries in the field of rail transport.
The Saudi delegation included representatives from the Transport General Authority’s Deputyship for Railway Transport, the National Transport Safety Center (NTSC) and Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR). The visit took place from August 12 to 14 as part of an official exchange program between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia, UK discuss collaboration on future projects
The visit focused on implementing the provisions of the MoU, exploring the UK’s experience in regulating and developing its rail sector and exchanging expertise in modern technologies, sustainability and safety.
Discussions between Saudi Arabia and the UK also covered potential collaboration on future projects, ways to enhance integration across various modes of transport and programs related to capacity-building, training and technical exchanges. The program included bilateral meetings between the Saudi delegation and senior officials at the UK Department for Transport, field visits to transport sites and projects and a visit to the University of Birmingham.
Both sides presented technical briefings outlining future directions and initiatives, and meetings were held with private-sector entities to showcase investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
The visit underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to effectively shaping the future of rail transport through innovation, leveraging global expertise to build modern, efficient networks that support national development and keep pace with advancements in the rail industry.
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Saudi Arabia to expand rail network to over 8,000 kilometers
Saudi Arabia’s rail transport MoU with the UK comes at a time when the Kingdom is investing billions to develop its transport sector. The nation is set to experience unprecedented growth in its rail network, expanding to over 8,000 kilometers in the coming years, stated Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) chairman Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser last year, as he inaugurated the first edition of the Saudi Rail Conference and Exhibition.
“This expansion will further solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub,” he added.
Al-Jasser underscored Saudi Arabia’s progress in rail development, noting that the current network spans over 5,500 kilometers. He highlighted key networks, including the North Network, which connects Riyadh to the Jordanian border, and the East Network, linking Riyadh to the Arabian Gulf coast.
Al-Jasser also emphasized the Haramain High-Speed Railway (HHR), a cutting-edge electric rail system connecting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
