UAE: The GCC’s integrated transport strategy will be the focus of NATRANS Arabia 2015, a first-of-its-kind event piecing together the Gulf region’s transportation infrastructure with rail, road, and maritime projects which according to Fleming Gulf research is worth an estimated US$ 422 billion and completed within the next five years.
The conference-led exhibition which is being held in partnership with the UAE Federal Transportation Authority – Land and Maritime and held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Public Works and Chairman of the Federal Transport Authority – Land and Marine, will highlight the UAE’s position within the region as a leading state in transport infrastructure development.
“The event will discuss and showcase proven, deployed schemes, pioneering research and development solutions that are intended to solve real world problems which are critical regional imperatives,” Alex Heuff, Exhibition Director, NATRANS Arabia which takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on 19-21 October 2015, said.
“By creating an event which covers the industry as a whole, NATRANS Arabia is set to deliver a unique networking platform for the region’s entire land and maritime transportation sector,” Heuff, added.
NATRANS Arabia consists of three distinct conference streams, incorporating the regions established rail conference – the 6th Middle East Rail Opportunities on the 19 – 20 October plus two dedicated one-day conferences, firstly addressing road issues on the 19th October and secondly addressing maritime issues on the 20th October.
During the 6th Middle East Rail Opportunities Summit, designs of nearly US$ 200 billion in network projects will be presented, running from the Gulf coast from Kuwait, through Saudi Arabia, to the UAE and Oman, with branches linking Bahrain and Qatar. These projects will be completed before the end of the first quarter 2016.
“Construction is already in progress and will be fully operational in 2018. Abu Dhabi is spearheading the GCC rail network with its AED 40 billion (US$ 10.9 billion), Etihad Rail link project, which stretches for 1,200 kilometres, from Ghweifat on the Saudi border to south of Fujairah on the Omani border,” Heuff, said.
The Middle East Road Conference will examine the progress of the region’s mega road project which is set to grow at a rapid pace over the next 5 years, valued at an estimated US$ 32 billion. The conference will also cover the international traffic management, (ITS), parking, road safety & maintenance of and transport infrastructure projects, such as multimodal systems and management have helped decrease accidents and the use of ITS technology in road safety.
The third streamed seminar, Middle East Maritime Conference, will take an in-depth look at the different investments in the maritime industry, which are expected to reach US$66 billion in the next three years, with the UAE contributing 30 – 35% of the Middle East’s projected total investment valued at US$190 billion over the next three years.
With the global significance of the Middle East’s ports and facilities is now more important than ever before and delegates will be presented with the latest industry developments. The conference will also feature international case studies about how operational and logistical challenges and complexities can be overcome.
Distinguished speakers at NATRANS Arabia include Dr. Abdelgader Elshabani, Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi, Senior Transportation Planning Specialist, UAE; Mohammed al-Mudharreb, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), Director of Rail Operation, Rail Agency; and Loay Ghazaleh, Ministry of Works, Advisor To Under Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Bahrain.
Top level transport delegations representing the UAE including government bodies such as the Department of Transport, The Road Transport Authority, Etihad Rail, Abu Dhabi Ports, DP World and the Ministry of Public Works, will be attending the conferences.
“In addition, over 50 ministers and including key government decision makers will be attending this year’s conference to discuss the potential partnership opportunities available right across the region,” Heuff, added.
Some of the key focus sessions include developing a competitive, sustainable and future-proof rail network for the GCC; effective interoperability among the new railway systems of the Middle East; integrated public transport for sustainable urban development; traffic management and surveillance; the role of automation in efficient port operations; the use of geo-spatial technologies in port security, plus a series of country transport project updates.
Running alongside the conferences is an exhibition accommodating over 100 exhibiting companies that is divided into four themed zones compatible with the conference streams, plus an extra zone showcasing intelligent transport systems. The exhibition is likely to attract in excess of 2,500 trade visitors. The exhibition has already attracted key support from the European Parking Association (EPA) and MAFEX, the Spanish Railway Association plus sponsors Laborex and LGW.