Saudi SAR Signs Agreements, MoU to Develop Railways

The Saudi delegation at the International Astronautical Conference (IAC) in Paris (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi delegation at the International Astronautical Conference (IAC) in Paris (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi SAR Signs Agreements, MoU to Develop Railways

The Saudi delegation at the International Astronautical Conference (IAC) in Paris (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi delegation at the International Astronautical Conference (IAC) in Paris (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Railways Company (SAR) concluded several agreements and memoranda of understanding with global partners to achieve the objectives of the national strategy for transport and logistics.

SAR participated in InnoTrans and the international trade conference in Berlin.

SAR awarded a contract to the French electronics company Thales for developing a signaling and control system for rail networks in the Eastern port of Dammam.

The agreement also includes “upgrading the efficiency of logistic operations and expanding rail networks in the Kingdom.”

SAR recently signed MoUs with Thales and other international partners to develop its national transport strategy and logistic services.

The company also signed a strategic MoU with Alstom Company to explore opportunities for the future of sustainable mobility in the Kingdom and develop and implement solutions related to railway infrastructure and capability aligned with Vision 2030.

The company pointed out that it aims to transfer technology and knowledge, sustainable development and application of the best standards, and strategic cooperation to develop logistics transport services.

Furthermore, SAR signed several agreements with Siemens to transfer knowledge and best practices, improve customer satisfaction experience, and localize the railway sector in the Kingdom.

In addition, SAR announced that it signed an agreement with the University of Birmingham to encourage national cadres and provide the best job opportunities in the railway by organizing training courses and applied studies.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia participated in the International Astronautical Conference (IAC) in France. It reviewed its experience in space, potential, and future aspirations for this vital and promising sector.

The CEO of the Saudi Space Authority, Mohammad al-Tamimi, met several agency officials, companies, and sector leaders to discuss bilateral cooperation in space economies and future sectors.

Tamimi met with Deputy Assistant to Executive Secretary of the US National Space Council Chirag Parikh to enhance cooperation in the space field and develop its legislations and regulations.

He later met with the President of the Italian Space Agency, Giorgio Saccoccia, and covered efforts to boost relations between the two sides in the space field.

He also held a meeting with the CEO of the UK Space Agency, Paul Bate, to strengthen and develop cooperation in the space field, and the Chairperson of UAE Space Agency, Sarah al-Amiri, to enhance strategic partnership in the space field and its sectors.

He discussed with Airbus officials the sector's existing projects and development opportunities.



UK, Switzerland Sign Agreement Aimed at Direct Rail Link 

A general view of a guest wearing a Union flag ahead of a concert to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day at Horse Guards Parade on May 08, 2025 in London, England. (Reuters)
A general view of a guest wearing a Union flag ahead of a concert to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day at Horse Guards Parade on May 08, 2025 in London, England. (Reuters)
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UK, Switzerland Sign Agreement Aimed at Direct Rail Link 

A general view of a guest wearing a Union flag ahead of a concert to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day at Horse Guards Parade on May 08, 2025 in London, England. (Reuters)
A general view of a guest wearing a Union flag ahead of a concert to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day at Horse Guards Parade on May 08, 2025 in London, England. (Reuters)

Britain and Switzerland signed an agreement aimed at establishing a direct rail link between London and Switzerland, a government statement said on Friday.

The pair will set up a working group which will work out how to overcome the commercial, technical and security impediments to running services from Britain, through the Channel Tunnel, crossing France, and onto Switzerland.

Passengers from London can travel to Europe on direct services to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam currently.