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Riyadh to Host Saudi Rail Conference and Exhibition on November 20-21

The conference aligns with SAR's efforts to achieve the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030 by attracting and localizing cutting-edge railway technologies. (Saudi Arabia Railways)
The conference aligns with SAR's efforts to achieve the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030 by attracting and localizing cutting-edge railway technologies. (Saudi Arabia Railways)
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Riyadh to Host Saudi Rail Conference and Exhibition on November 20-21

The conference aligns with SAR's efforts to achieve the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030 by attracting and localizing cutting-edge railway technologies. (Saudi Arabia Railways)
The conference aligns with SAR's efforts to achieve the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030 by attracting and localizing cutting-edge railway technologies. (Saudi Arabia Railways)

Riyadh is slated to host the inaugural edition of the Saudi Rail Conference and Exhibition on November 20-21, under the patronage of Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) Saleh Al-Jasser.

The event will highlight the advancements and innovations in the railway sector and gather insights from local and international perspectives.

Al-Jasser emphasized that the event aligns with the transformative developments taking place in the Kingdom's transportation and logistics sector, particularly in the railway industry, and highlighted the substantial support provided by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to the sector.

Al-Jasser underscored the pivotal role railways play in driving the Kingdom's economic and social development by facilitating the movement of people and goods, helping to boost trade and tourism, serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and contributing to reducing emissions by decreasing the number of daily car and truck trips.

He reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to advancing railway infrastructure, enhancing rail network efficiency, and improving user services.

Several national railway projects are underway as part of the Kingdom's strategic vision to strengthen its position as a leading global logistics hub, he went on to say.

SAR CEO Dr. Bashar AlMalik said that by hosting this event, Saudi Arabia reinforces its leading position in the transport and logistics sector, and positions itself as a global hub for railway operators.

The conference, one of the largest events of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region, will be attended by a large number of industry experts. Over 200 local and international speakers will engage in panel discussions focused on cutting-edge innovations and solutions in the railway sector.

It will feature more than 200 exhibitors, offering a crucial platform for networking and exchange of knowledge among key industry stakeholders.

The conference aligns with SAR's efforts to achieve the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030 by attracting and localizing cutting-edge railway technologies, solidifying the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub that collaborates with both domestic and international stakeholders.

SAR's network has expanded to include three intercity lines: the North Railway, the East Railway, and the Haramain High-Speed Railway, inaugurated by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in 2018.

The network also encompasses key urban lines, including the Mashaer Train (serving pilgrims), the Riyadh Metro, the King Abdulaziz International Airport Railway in Jeddah, and the Princess Noura University Railway. In total, the railway network spans over 5,500 kilometers, demonstrating the Kingdom's commitment to building a comprehensive and interconnected transportation system.

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Saudi-UAE Trade Exchange Reaches $244 Billion in 10 Years

The Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning addresses attendees at the Saudi-Emirati Economic Forum. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning addresses attendees at the Saudi-Emirati Economic Forum. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi-UAE Trade Exchange Reaches $244 Billion in 10 Years

The Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning addresses attendees at the Saudi-Emirati Economic Forum. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning addresses attendees at the Saudi-Emirati Economic Forum. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi-Emirati Economic Forum, which kicked off at the Federation of Saudi Chambers headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday, highlighted significant growth in trade between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, reaching SAR 915 billion ($244 billion) over the past decade (2014 to 2023). In the past three years alone, trade reached its highest levels, totaling SAR 327.5 billion ($87.3 billion).

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim noted that trade between Saudi Arabia and the UAE increased by 25% over the past five years, reaching SAR 113 billion ($30 billion) by the end of 2023, compared to SAR 90 billion ($24 billion) in 2019.

He added that both countries have seen significant transformations in investment due to policies and measures designed to develop and improve the investment environment.

Al-Ibrahim also highlighted that, as of the end of last year, the UAE recorded positive growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Saudi Arabia, totaling around SAR 111 billion ($29.6 billion), marking a 15% increase from 2022.

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef emphasized that Saudi Arabia and the UAE have promising potential to enhance integration in industry and mining.

He expressed eagerness to collaborate on joint initiatives to support entrepreneurs by improving access to financing and training.

Al-Khorayef noted that Saudi exports to the UAE grew at an annual rate exceeding 9%, reaching about SAR 31 billion SAR this year.

UAE Minister of Economy Abdullah Al Marri revealed that UAE investments in Saudi Arabia have reached AED 15.7 billion, stressing that the forum provides a platform to continue strengthening the economic partnership between the two countries and advancing it to new levels.

He underlined the forum’s role in helping business communities explore promising growth opportunities in both countries. Al Marri underscored the private sector’s critical role as a key partner in helping both governments achieve their future vision, stressing that current global economic challenges underline the need to strengthen partnership channels.

He further highlighted that the UAE is Saudi Arabia’s largest Gulf and Arab trading partner and second-largest global partner, while the Kingdom is the UAE’s top Gulf and Arab trading partner and fourth globally.

Non-oil trade between the two nations reached AED 137 billion in 2023, with non-oil trade exchanges totaling AED 75 billion in the first half of this year, reflecting over 18% growth compared to the same period in 2023.

UAE investment inflows into Saudi markets grew by more than AED 15.7 billion in 2023, a 6% increase from 2022. Saudi cumulative investments in the UAE reached $6.5 billion by the end of 2022, making Saudi Arabia the fourth-largest investor in the UAE, according to Al Marri.

Chairman of the Saudi-Emirati Business Council Abdulhakim Al-Khaldi said the economic partnership with the UAE is strong and growing, encompassing trade and investment cooperation in most major sectors.

Vice President of the Federation of Saudi Chambers Fayez Al-Shuaili said the forum would support achieving shared goals, produce actionable recommendations, and foster a business-friendly environment to boost trade and investment growth.

Trade between the two countries reached around $30 billion last year, with further growth anticipated in trade and investment relations, he added.