The governments in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region are likely to award railway project contracts worth $16 billion this year, said a new study released ahead of a major industry event in Dubai, UAE.

Middle East Rail, the largest railway industry event across the Mena, South and Central Asian region, will be back in Dubai for the 12th edition from March 12 to 13 with a boom in repeat exhibitors, said the organisers.

The event has recorded 64 per cent repeat exhibitor bookings for 2018 edition, bringing over 290 regional and international railway operators, suppliers and contractors to present their services to potential buyers and nurture professional networks, they stated.

Etihad Rail, X Rail, Greenbrier, Virgin Hyperloop, CAF, AECOM, Progress Rail, Department for International Trade, UK, are back in full force to showcase their plans for future railway systems, they stated.

Dr Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman, Federal Transport Authority - Land & Maritime, UAE, said: "Middle East Rail continues to attract global innovators, decision makers and industry influencers, which clearly demonstrates the show is an unmissable annual gathering to analyse the visions, technologies and partnerships needed to develop efficient railway operations."

"We are proud to play a leading role in providing a platform to the industry to identify problems, propose solutions, promote collaboration, develop and harness innovative technology in transportation infrastructure," noted Dr Al Nuaimi.

"This will also help us build regional railway networks on a par with the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency," he added.

Keeping up with the industry trends and to accommodate increased interest, the show has expanded in scope for the 2018 edition, said the event organisers.

The organising committee has introduced two new streams that will feature Passenger Information Systems and Transport Ticketing Systems that cater for the needs of modern passengers.

Jamie Hosie, the general manager of Terrapinn Middle East, the event organiser, said: "The railway supply market in the Mena region is expected to grow at over 3 per cent annually for the next four years on the back of several big-ticket projects in pipeline."

"The UAE has the second largest transport pipeline in the Middle East, with 15 ongoing and upcoming railway projects worth $13.9 billion as of November 2017.The regional governments are pressing ahead with their domestic rail projects and stalled projects are going to regain momentum. Middle East Rail is the place to be to learn, network and discover new business opportunities," noted Hosie.

Leading industry experts from Europe, India, Middle East and Asia will share insights on privatisation, digitalization, modernisation and pioneering the future of Mobility 4.0. throughout two days of keynotes, open discussions and research sharing sessions.-TradeArabia News Service