RIYADH – Rail projects account for 32 percent of total GCC transportation developments valued at $298 billion. Transportation makes up to 20 percent of the total construction spend in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) where nearly $25 billion is at the bidding stage or under development in the railway sector. The Saudi network will be further improved by adding 3,900 km of track through three major railway projects. The scope of the KSA's planned rail projects and the scale of the required investment are massive. An estimated $45 billion, a full third of planned GCC rail spending before 2030, is currently committed to upgrading existing lines and building new rail networks across the KSA. However, the country's vast area and varied geographical features along with its ambitious deadlines and objectives has given rise to a unique set of financing, logistical and engineering challenges that require innovative and resourceful solutions. To answer critical industry needs and capitalize on the tremendous business prospects, Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC) will organize Saudi Rail 2015 – the International Exhibition for Rail, Metro Lines, and Urban Transportation, in cooperation with Ramatan Exposition and Conference. Held under the patronage of Prince Turki Bin Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh, the show will take place from Jan. 25-28, 2015 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC). It will provide an ideal platform for international exhibitors to display the latest developments in the railway industry as well as highlight the lucrative opportunities in the region. The four-day long Saudi Rail 2015 will showcase the latest products, equipment, technologies, and services from renowned international brands as well as enable unique and highly effective networking opportunities. A wide array of products and services at the exhibition will include passenger and cargo transportation wagons, maintenance services, train line systems, train network and communication systems, train station equipment, facilities and services, consultancy, broadcasting, and customer clearance services. Saudi Rail 2015 will be held concurrently with Saudi Logitrans 2015 – the International Exhibition for Transport, Logistics and Freight, the ‘Saudi Rail and Logitrans Conference' and ‘Trans 4 Saudi Arabia'. The seminar sessions will provide a podium for key government decision makers, transportation organizations, port authorities, and industry professionals to announce new initiatives, formulate strategic policies and regulations, discuss up-to-the-minute case studies, and exchange information on global best practices. — SG
