DOHA/Abu Dhabi: The Gulf region is forging ahead with plans to improve its regional transportation infrastructure, with $121.3bn worth of road and bridge projects already under way or in the planning phase.
In Qatar, $17bn 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 $9bn of schemes in the pipeline.
Nearly half of the regional spend though is concentrated in the UAE, which has $58bn worth of road and bridge projects planned or under way, while Saudi Arabia is the next largest spender, pledging $26.9bn to upgrade the country’s transport infrastructure over the next five years.
Oman and Bahrain round off the regional appetite for road and bridge spending, with $8bn of projects in various stages currently ongoing in Oman, and a further $2bn in Bahrain.
opportunities
Highlighting enormous business opportunities for the regional traffic sector, the latest figures have been collated by Informa Exhibitions, organisers of Gulf Traffic, taking place from November 19-21 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Run every two years in Abu Dhabi, Gulf Traffic is the only dedicated event for the road, public transport and parking sectors, bringing together more than 100 exhibitors involved in the design, build, and maintenance of the region’s road, rail, parking and public transport projects.
Richard Pavitt, Exhibition Director for Gulf Traffic, said: “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.”
“Road infrastructure development in the region will 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.
Now in its seventh edition, Gulf Traffic 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 three-day exhibition features the Gulf Traffic conference, addressing key traffic and transportation issues facing the Gulf region today, bringing together regional and international 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.
The Peninsula
