New digital technologies are being developed at a rapid rate. This innovation has opened new avenues for railway operators to improve efficiency, drive down costs and enhance passenger and customer experience.

This theatre will examine how rail networks are being transformed for passengers, cargo owners, logistics companies and freight operators by exploring the modernisation of ICT, signalling and control technology, the development of intelligent infrastructure and the new and disruptive technologies that are being deployed by railway operators around the world.

High-speed rail presents an unprecedented opportunity for the Middle East to transform both social and economic throughput of the region. Cross country high-speed networks will allow freight and passenger rail networks to revolutionise urban development and trade.

Globally high-speed rail is growing in popularity enabling fast and efficient travel between cities reducing reliance on air travel.

The Middle East has an opportunity to reinvent the impact a cross-country rail network can have across economies, with transportation rates and times significantly decreasing compared to the current system of trucks and air travel, leading to a more economically integrated region.

The technology behind high-speed rail has also continued to evolve, with new trains being developed that are faster, more comfortable, and more environmentally friendly.

The Freight Theatre will cover the expansion of rail freight networks, ranging from West Asia to Africa. This theatre will bring together intermodal operators, cargo owners and government to map out a future for seamless freight movement.

The GCC rail network will also be a special focus as the region seeks to revolutionise trade and transport routes. Spanning a network of over 2,000km, this project is crucial for the future economic development. We will cover the latest developments in the GCC freight network, intermodal freight, new freight terminals and integrating a GCC rail corridor.

With billions of dollars of rail infrastructure underway connecting ports across the GCC, the economic and trade benefits of port connectivity will be at the forefront of Middle East Rail 2024. Ports and logistics are an essential aspect of the railway industry, with infrastructure presenting new models of transporting goods to and from ports.

Railway freight terminals will act as a logistics hub for heavy industries enabling a seamless distribution of raw materials and machinery for manufacturers who play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of goods and materials, especially in areas where other modes of transportation are not readily available.

Ports and logistics are critical components of the railway industry, and their efficient management is essential for ensuring the timely and cost-effective transportation of goods and materials to enhance the Middle East's growing logistical throughput.

As the world continues its drive towards net-zero goals, rail will play a crucial role as one of the most sustainable forms of mass transit. This imperative is driving the entire value chain to look at how they can enhance sustainable development goals in their operations.

This theatre is all about the major opportunities to enhance environmental sustainability across the railway supply chain. Key topics will include hydrogen trains and fuel efficiency, IoT, automation and operational efficiency, sustainable materials, and the future green railway.

It is estimated that the MENA region has a project pipeline worth over $180 billion to be delivered over the next 10 years. Projects include new and exciting developments across passenger and freight from new metros to highspeed rail projects and upgrading existing infrastructure.

This theatre will showcase the latest projects across the region including exciting developments in Saudi Arabia and NEOM, projects across North Africa including developments in Egypt and a strong focus on the development of GCC railway networks.