khaleej times Tuesday, March 1, 2011
KHALEEJ TIMES ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Renowned rail experts take the platform Middle East Rail 2011 Conference and Exhibition has brought together ministries, regional operators, investors and solution providers to build a world-class rail network for the Middle East, thus providing a platform for outlining the Middle East Rail Vision
www.reddoorproductions.net
Screen Advertising Agents Reel Cinemas, Dubai Mall
Engineer Ali Saad Al Karni
T
Richard Bowker
HE ongoing Middle East Rail 2011 Conference and Exhibition, which will continue in Abu Dhabi till March 3, brings together some of the world’s most important rail experts, who will talk about their rail projects and views on the future outlook for the industry. Regional rail operators from Union Railways, Saudi Railway Company, Saudi Railway Organisation, Damascus Metro, Tehran Metro and many others will be outlining their rail vision and project developments. Ayusha Tyagi, General Manager of Middle East Rail 2011, says: “The rail industry in the Middle East is the fastest growing in the world. The current success of regional rail projects has signalled that having a Middle East rail network is possible. With projects operational in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, other regional countries are moving full steam ahead with their rail plans. Middle Eastern countries are now planning over $102 billion worth of projects to be completed in the next decades.” The event, which is the region’s largest dedicated rail conference, is in its fifth year and taking place at the Beach Rotana
Rainer Bomba
Abdullah Abboud
Hotel and Towers in Abu Dhabi. Ayana Everett, Conference Manager of Middle East Rail said the conference had attracted around 1,500 international delegates. “This event has established itself as the most influential annual event for the Middle East’s rail industry to network and discuss rail infrastructure projects, financing and funding, partnership and emerging business opportunities in the region.” Kicking off this event is the High Speed Rail conference day where CEOs from Europe, the Middle East, and the United States will discuss the “how-to” of building a high-speed rail network for the region. With one high-speed rail project already under construction in the Middle East, Engineer Ali Saad Al Karni, VicePresident of Technical Affairs at Saudi Railway Organisation will discuss how the Haramain High Speed Rail Project will link the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah. Tyagi said regional and international rail experts would debate and discuss critical issues addressing high-speed rail projects in the GCC, rail joint ventures, metro planning, project costing, and how
Montazeri
operators can learn and be ahead of the game. Today’s Middle East Rail exhibition will feature over 40 free to attend seminars designed to provide visitors knowledge of the latest innovations and technical advancements in the railway industry from China, Germany, Italy, Spain, France and other countries. Laura Parker, Exhibition Manager says: “Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to meet and learn from a range of companies across every sector of the rail industry.” In the evening at the First Middle East Rail Awards and Gala Dinner at the Yas Marina Circuit, rail operators and rail projects will be recognised for excellence. This red carpet affair will celebrate regional success and honour the contributions made in the journey to building the region’s rail network. “With things on track for building a region-wide rail network, Middle East Rail 2011 will continue to be the leading platform for rail operators and solution providers to explore strategies for future growth and operational excellence,” said Tyagi.
Commanding reputation Vossloh Middle East is a privileged partner in the very demanding Middle East Railway Networks. It bundles all activities of Vossloh Group, a leading company in rail infrastructure and transportation VOSSLOH GROUP is one of the leading companies in rail infrastructure and transportation. Its long-standing expertise in railways and well-established safe, cost-efficient and ecofriendly products, make it a reliable supplier for customers facing severe climatic and environmental conditions. The rail fasteners developed by Vossloh ensure safe rail traffic in over 70 countries. Vossloh also commands a foremost international position in the market for advanced engineered rail switches and crossings, and in all kinds of life-cycle servicing and maintenance works for rails including semi-stationary welding and highspeed grinding of rails.
Vossloh is Europe’s leading supplier of locomotives along with all-in services. Also available are state-of-theart (sub)urban trains for a variety of operations. Vossloh develops and produces key electrical components (e.g. hybrid drives) and systems for light rail vehicles and buses. Vossloh Middle East bundles all Vossloh activities in the regional market. With a direct line to all Vossloh business units, it provides customers with the best solution regarding individual needs. The company’s significant experience in the desert environment makes it a privileged partner in the very demanding Middle East Railway Networks.