A high-level Saudi delegation, led by the Transport General Authority, recently visited the United Kingdom’s Department for Transport in London to strengthen cooperation in rail transport, according to the Saudi Press Agency. This official visit, held from August 12 to 14, aimed to activate a memorandum of understanding between the two countries, focusing on innovation and modernization in rail systems.
The Saudi team included representatives from the Transport General Authority’s Deputyship for Railway Transport, the National Transport Safety Center, and Saudi Arabia Railways. Their agenda featured meetings with UK officials, site visits to transport projects, and discussions at the University of Birmingham. Both sides shared technical briefings, explored opportunities for collaboration, and engaged with private-sector companies to highlight investment prospects in Saudi Arabia.
Key topics included adopting advanced technologies, improving sustainability and safety, and building capacity through training and technical exchanges. The visit emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging international expertise to develop a modern, efficient rail network that supports national growth.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the Kingdom is planning a major expansion of its rail infrastructure, with the network expected to exceed 8,000 kilometers in the coming years. His Excellency Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and chairman of Saudi Arabia Railways, highlighted this initiative as a step toward establishing Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub. He noted that the current network already covers over 5,500 kilometers, connecting major regions such as Riyadh, the Jordanian border, the Arabian Gulf, and the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah through the Haramain High-Speed Railway.
Saudi Arabia’s efforts reflect its drive to advance rail transport and integrate cutting-edge solutions, reinforcing its role in the global logistics sector.
