Abu Dhabi hosts major transport conference

The Global Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and International Conference opened on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi under the theme “Connecting the World and the Region.”

The three-day event is being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and will run until Oct. 2.

The exhibition and conference have brought together more than 20,000 rail sector experts and stakeholders from across the globe. Over 200 international companies are showcasing their projects and technologies, while about 800 delegates from 100 countries and 200 speakers are attending the sessions.

Opening day discussions are focused on high-speed rail projects, artificial intelligence and data, digital asset life cycle management, and improving operational efficiency. In the coming days, sessions will highlight cybersecurity, urban planning, and passenger travel experiences.

Pakistan to also participate

On the directive of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani is representing Pakistan at the summit. He is scheduled to deliver a keynote address as a special guest on the future of transport and global connectivity. He will also join a high-level ministerial panel discussion.

During his visit, Kayani will also travel on a modern high-speed train and tour a UAE railway station. He is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei and Etihad Rail CEO Engineer Shadi Malek.

The summit is organized by Etihad Rail, the entity responsible for developing and managing the UAE’s national railway network. Kayani is attending the event on the invitation of Etihad Rail Chairman Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The conference is widely regarded as a landmark platform for strengthening global cooperation in the transport and railway sectors and for exploring innovative solutions to meet future infrastructure needs.