The “French Saudi Rail & Mobility Days” seminar held in Riyadh marked a significant moment in Franco-Saudi collaboration in the railway sector. Organized by Business France in collaboration with the French Embassy, the event was attended by dignitaries such as French Ambassador Ludovic Pouille and Vice Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Dr. Rumeih Al Rumeih. The seminar provided a platform for French companies specializing in railway engineering, operation, maintenance, and digital transformation to engage with Saudi decision-makers and local companies. Discussions focused on smart mobility and innovative public transportation solutions within major Saudi projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and the metros in Riyadh and AlUla.
RATP-DEV, a French public transport operator in the Kingdom since 2014, showcased its ongoing projects and commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 at the seminar. The company’s efforts align with the Kingdom’s plans to triple its railway network by 2030, adding 8000 kilometers of new railway lines with a focus on sustainability and digital transformation. The seminar also highlighted the launch of the world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train by the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) in collaboration with Alstom. This achievement demonstrates the Kingdom’s dedication to pioneering sustainable transport solutions.
Key officials, including CEO of NIDLP Sulaiman Al Mazroua, participated in the seminar to revisit cooperation in the railway and mobility sectors following a memorandum of understanding signed in March 2022. The event provided a platform for French companies to explore opportunities for collaboration and discuss innovative solutions for major Saudi projects. The first day of the seminar concluded with bilateral meetings aimed at enhancing cooperation and fostering discussions on smart mobility and sustainable transport solutions.
The seminar highlighted the growing collaboration between France and Saudi Arabia in the railway sector, with a focus on sustainable transport solutions and digital transformation. French companies specializing in railway engineering, operation, maintenance, and digital transformation engaged directly with Saudi decision-makers and local companies to explore opportunities for collaboration. Discussions centered on the integration of innovative public transportation solutions within major Saudi projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and the metros in Riyadh and AlUla.
RATP-DEV, a French public transport operator active in the Kingdom since 2014, showcased its ongoing projects and commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 at the seminar. The company’s efforts align with the Kingdom’s plans to triple its railway network by 2030, adding 8000 kilometers of new railway lines with a focus on sustainability and digital transformation. The seminar also highlighted the launch of the world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train by the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) in collaboration with Alstom, underscoring the Kingdom’s dedication to pioneering sustainable transport solutions.
The seminar provided an opportunity for French companies to showcase their expertise in the railway sector and explore new opportunities for collaboration with Saudi Arabia. Discussions at the event focused on smart mobility, sustainable transport solutions, and the integration of innovative public transportation solutions within major Saudi projects. The gathering of key officials and decision-makers from both countries highlighted the importance of Franco-Saudi collaboration in the railway and mobility sectors, as well as the shared commitment to advancing sustainable transport solutions and digital transformation.
