A sophisticated urban transport network and railway are seen inevitable in the region and most countries in the Middle East, which currently rely mostly on private transportation, will begin work on these projects sooner or later, believe experts.
Apart from a few exceptions such as Dubai, which has a well-developed, medium-sized public transportation network, there are not too many countries in the Middle East that rely on public transport. But, with economic development and rising expatriate population, railway and public transport are the only viable solutions that governments may have to resort to in the long run. Dubai has already taken a lead by proposing a railway project for the Emirate.
The Middle East transport related issues will be the focus of an exhibition to be held in Dubai next year.
The Middle East International Transport Exhibition, to be held at the Airport Expo Dubai from April 8-12, 2001, is a dedicated platform to provide state-of-the-art land transportation solutions and accessories manufactured by the leading players from the global transport industry.
The exhibition will be held under the patronage of the UAE Communications Minister and chairman of Emirates Transport Shaikh Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer.
"The face of land transportation industry in the Middle East will change in the years to come. Small size of countries in the region and the ongoing economic development will lead to a rapid growth of the public transport industry lying dormant for some time now. This will create a huge demand for solution providers and accessory suppliers from all over the world and initiate them into increasing focus on this part of the world," exhibitions manager, Dubai World Trade Centre, Annie Hayes said.
The GCC currently imports an estimated 3,000 big buses annually, according to industry estimates.
A conference named Intrans Congress 2001 based on industry-related subjects and expected to be attended by GCC transport ministers as well as decision-makers, will run alongside the trade show. Entry into the forum will be restricted to selected invitees comprising communications and transport ministers from the Gulf and high profile international decision-makers from the regional transport industry.
Intrans Congress 2001 will provide a unique opportunity to participants to exchange and network knowledge; develop policies; as well as identify fresh opportunities of growth for the regional transport infrastructure.
