JEDDAH, 29 November 2004 — The north-south rail project, from the northern mineral belt to Jubail, is currently in the planning stage and necessary modalities are being worked out toward its implementation, Transport Minister Dr. Jabara Seraisry said here yesterday.
“Tenders have already been issued and other modalities are in progress,” the minister told reporters on the sidelines of the 26th Saudi International Motor Show, which he opened at the Jeddah International Exhibition Center.
Two other rail projects, at a cost of SR10 billion, are currently in the planning stage. One project will link Jeddah with Dammam with a 1,000-km railway line and the other will link Jeddah with Makkah and Madinah and will include an extension to the port of Yanbu. This 500-km line will facilitate the transport of pilgrims. The Supreme Economic Council, chaired by Crown Prince Abdullah, has already approved the projects, according to Khaled Al-Yahya, chairman of the Saudi Railways Organization. All these projects are being established with private sector support.
At present, an agreement is being worked out with financial and legal consultants whose job will be to market the projects. The consultants will also set out rules to regulate the relations between the state and the private investment groups entrusted with the task of implementing the projects.
Asked about the progress of the super highway for communication, Dr. Seraisry said the Kingdom was committed to it in the interest of speeding up the Internet and other communication processes.
The minister, who with Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry Secretary-General Mohammed A. Al-Shareef toured the latest cars on display at the show, said the participation of world automobile manufacturers with their latest models offered evidence of fierce competition prevailing in the Kingdom.
“Safety and technical specifications that various models on display carry exemplify the importance given by the manufacturers to the Kingdom’s needs and quality standards,” Seraisry said.
The opening was marked by some “launch and reveal” events. “The wide range of world models on display will surely make it difficult for potential buyers to make their choices,” the minister said.
The participation of some of the world’s leading car manufacturers with their prestigious models also goes to prove the regard given for the Kingdom’s reputation as a market for premium brands and performance vehicles, he added.
Honda launched its new Odyssey and Mitsubishi unveiled the Grandis, a new family car with a totally new shape, alongside the new Magna model. Yamaha launched the Raptor, which is a limited edition 350cc off-road quad motorcycle. Saab and Volkswagen (VW) are new to the show, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2003. VW is showcasing a comprehensive range of models and is also involved in the “live action zone.” Al-Jomaih Automotive Company has featured Cadillac and Hummer, which is showing its new body style.
The Kingdom accounts for 50 percent of cars sold in the Gulf. New cars remain the central focus of the show, which has been upgraded from a local or regional car exhibition to an international show. With its off-road test-drive course and a range of family attractions, it has evolved itself as the Kingdom’s “only themed show” reflecting the automotive industry’s trends and developments.
With dedicated motor sport and motorcycle zones, the show runs in two phases lasting almost three weeks.
The show includes an off-road test drive event running in parallel. The show, uniquely in the Kingdom, features competitive rally, autocross, off-road buggy, sprint, karting and drag race events within its festival format.
