The Gulf region is forging ahead with plans to improve its transportation infrastructure with $121.3 billion worth of road and bridge projects already underway or in the planning phase, said an expert ahead of a key industry event in Abu Dhabi.

Nearly half of the regional spend is concentrated in the UAE, which has $58 billion worth of road and bridge projects planned or underway. Saudi is the next largest spender on road and bridge infrastructure pledging $26.9 billion to upgrade the country’s transport infrastructure over the next five years, revealed Richard Pavitt, the exhibition director for Gulf Traffic expo.

Run every two years in the UAE capital, the Gulf Traffic is the only dedicated event for the road, public transport and parking sectors in the region. It will be held from November 19 to 21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

In Qatar, $17 billion worth of road projects are now in cruise control, as it prepares its expansive transport network ahead of the Football World Cup in 2022, while Kuwait underlines its position as one of the most active markets for road projects in the next two years, with $9 billion of schemes in the pipeline.

Oman and Bahrain round off the regional appetite for road and bridge spending, with $8 billion of projects in various stages currently ongoing in Oman, and a further $2 billion in Bahrain, he stated.

“In line with a combined vision to improve road infrastructure and safety, GCC governments have outlined impressive plans to significantly boost investments in developing their road networks,” said Pavitt.

According to him, road infrastructure development in the Gulfd region would continue unabated, as governments set out to improve road safety and reduce congestion.

"Gulf Traffic provides the ideal platform to showcase the latest trends and technologies that will propel the region to the forefront of road, rail, parking and public transport sectors globally," he added.

Now in its seventh edition, the expo will bring together more than 100 exhibitors involved in the design, build, and maintenance of the region’s road, rail, parking and public transport projects, said the organisers Informa Exhibitions.

It is endorsed by the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), and is supported by the Abu Dhabi Police, Saaed, the Law Respect Culture Bureau, and ITS Arab.

The other key features include the 'Gulf Traffic Conference' which aims to address key traffic and transportation issues facing the region today, bringing together global experts debating the latest strategies and technology in road safety and congestion management.

Gulf Traffic attracts more than 3,000 transport industry professionals and government agencies from across the Middle East.-TradeArabia News Service