Leading international companies will showcase the best products and innovations in the railway industry and also exchange knowledge at the upcoming Middle East Rail expo in Dubai, UAE.

This year's event has grown bigger with a 25 per cent increase in the exhibition space compared to 2015, in response to huge demand from the growing number of exhibitors keen to take advantage of the opportunity to network at the regional rail industry’s ultimate marketplace, said its organisers.

The exhibition will occupy nearly 18,000 sq m of space at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre to host 300 exhibitors from March 8 to 9, a significant increase compared to 2015 edition which hosted 221 exhibitors.

Many of the exhibitors have upgraded the size of their stands this year, including Autodesk, Bombardier, Parsons Brinkerhoff and Siemens, they stated.

The show will host four country pavilions from Italy, China, Spain, and the UK featuring railway supply companies in freight car, locomotive, maintenance-of-way, communications, signalling, leasing, and passenger rail industries.

More than 9,000 visitors, including 600 VIP government officials are expected to attend the show which is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs in partnership with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development UAE and the Federal Transport Authority - Land & Maritime.

Dr Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and chairman of the Federal Transport Authority (FTA), said: "Our participation in Middle East Rail is part of the authority’s objectives to position the UAE as a leading country in the field of railway projects development, as well as to gather all ministries of rail and transport from the GCC, Middle East and the world to establish and build the best railway networks with the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency, which will improve the logistics sector in the GCC."

"In addition, the conference is set to be a regional summit where international companies exchange knowledge and showcase the best products and innovations in the railway industry," he stated.

“FTA ensures its commitment to support railway projects in the UAE through involvement in vital discussions related main strategic pillars that influence the growing railway industry in the UAE and across the region,” said Al Nuami.

Alongside the exhibition, the two-day conference will serve as a stage for C-suite, the influencers and the game changers to meet and share ideas on the latest and most vital innovations that are transforming the rail industry.

Besides Al Nuaimi, the other keynote speakers include Abdul Latif Al Zayani, the secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council; Abdullah S Al Katheeri of FTA; Henrik Hololei, the director general, Mobility and Transport, European Commission; Rob Lloyd, the CEO at Hyperloop Technologies; Aziz Rabbah, Morocco's Minister of Equipment and Transport, and Alwalid Alekrish, director of construction development projects and project director of the Riyadh Metro, Arriyadh Development Authority, Saudi Arabia.

Railway projects worth $352 billion currently planned and under way in the region will be under spotlight through dedicated project update roundtables.

Government departments, railway operators and construction companies will give a first look at 2016 tenders and an understanding of the techniques and technologies being implemented to build these futuristic networks.

The show features a dedicated Career Zone for current and future engineering graduates.

“FTA’s contribution to the show aligns with the authority’s emiratisation strategy, and matches its goals to support young Emirati talent inside and outside the country to learn about exciting career prospects within the industry, as well as establish contacts with regional and international rail industry professionals,” noted Al Nuaimi.

Jamie Hosie, the project director of Middle East Rail, said the region is innovating to become a global leader in transportation projects and position itself as a global logistics hub.

"The event provides a perfect environment and opportunity for industry leaders to gather and discuss key developments in the market. The overwhelming response we are witnessing from companies is testament to the fact that the show serves as a dynamic platform for them to reach growth markets across the Mena region, engage with potential partners and grow their businesses," he remarked.

According to Hosie, from the conference’s involvement in the GCC rail network, to new tram and passenger projects, all energies are firmly fixed towards building a world-class industry and showcasing those developments at the Expo 2020, where one of the key theme’s will be the future of mobility.

"The Middle East Rail exhibition and conference therefore plays a crucial role in elevating the standard and success of rail related projects for all involved," he added.-TradeArabia News Service