Industry needs for the estimated SR45 billion for rail projects will be displayed at Saudi Rail 2015 to be held in Riyadh next month.

The event is scheduled to take place from Jan. 25 to 28 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC).

The Saudi Rail, an International Exhibition for Rail, Metro Lines, and Urban Transportation, in cooperation with Ramatan Exposition and Conference, takes place with the support of Riyadh Governor Prince Turki bin Abdullah.

It provides 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 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, transport 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.

According to recent reports, rail projects account for 32 percent of the total GCC transportation developments valued at $298 billion.

Transportation makes up to 20 percent of the total construction spending in Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia’s planned rail projects and the scale of the required investment are massive.

An estimated $45 billion, a full third of the planned GCC rail spending before 2030, is currently committed to upgrading existing lines and building new rail networks across the Kingdom.

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.