A pivotal seminar titled "French Saudi Rail & Mobility Days," organized by Business France in collaboration with the French Embassy, took place on Wednesday in Riyadh. The event marked a significant moment in Franco-Saudi collaboration in the railway sector under the patronage of the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, Investment, the National Industry Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), and the Saudi Railway Company (SAR). This gathering, attended by dignitaries such as French Ambassador Ludovic Pouille, Vice Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Dr. Rumeih Al Rumeih, CEO of NIDLP Sulaiman Al Mazroua, and other key officials, revisited the cooperation in the railway and mobility sectors. This follows the memorandum of understanding signed in March 2022 and a recent visit by a delegation of 25 innovative French companies specializing in railway engineering, operation, maintenance, and digital transformation. The seminar provided a platform for these French companies to engage directly with Saudi decision-makers and local companies, fostering discussions on smart mobility and the integration of innovative public transportation solutions within major Saudi projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and the metros in Riyadh and AlUla. The first day concluded with bilateral meetings aimed at enhancing cooperation and exploring new opportunities. RATP-DEV, a prominent French public transport operator active in the Kingdom since 2014, showcased its ongoing projects and its commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The company's efforts align with the Kingdom's ambitious plans to triple its railway network by 2030, adding 8000 kilometers of new railway lines, with a significant focus on sustainability and digital transformation. In a remarkable technological stride, the Saudi Railway Company "SAR," in collaboration with Alstom, launched the world's first hydrogen-powered passenger train last October. This achievement underscores the Kingdom's dedication to pioneering sustainable transport solutions. — SG
