A delegation from the transport sector, led by the General Transport Authority and including the Railway Transport Agency, the National Transport Safety Center, and the Saudi Railway Company (SAR), visited the UK Department for Transport in London from August 12 to 14. This visit was part of an official delegation and expert exchange program between the two countries, aimed at implementing the memorandum of understanding signed between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom in the field of railway transport.

The visit aimed to activate cooperation clauses between the two sides, explore the British experience in regulating and developing the railway transport sector, exchange knowledge and expertise related to modern technologies, sustainability, and safety, discuss opportunities for collaboration in future projects, enhance integration between different transport modes, and review capacity-building, training, and technical delegation exchange programs.

Investment in the Kingdom

The visit program included bilateral meetings between the Saudi delegation and senior officials from the UK Department for Transport, as well as field visits to several transport facilities and projects, including a visit to the University of Birmingham in the UK. Technical presentations were delivered by both sides on future trends and initiatives, and meetings were held with the private sector to enhance investment opportunities in the Kingdom.

This visit reflects the Kingdom’s commitment and active role in shaping the future of railway transport through innovation, leveraging global expertise to build modern networks and pioneering efficiency models that support development and align with the latest advancements in the railway transport industry.

General Transport Authority

The General Transport Authority (GTA) is a governmental body typically responsible for regulating and overseeing transportation systems, including road safety, vehicle licensing, and public transit. While specific histories vary by country, such agencies are often established to modernize infrastructure, improve traffic management, and enforce transport laws. For example, the UAE’s GTA (part of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure) was created to unify federal and local transport policies, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

Railway Transport Agency

The Railway Transport Agency is a governmental or regulatory body responsible for overseeing and managing railway operations, infrastructure, and safety standards within a country. Its history typically dates back to the industrialization era when railways became vital for transportation and economic growth. Such agencies ensure efficient rail services, modernization, and compliance with national and international transport regulations.

National Transport Safety Center

The **National Transport Safety Center** (NTSC) is a government agency responsible for investigating transportation accidents, improving safety standards, and preventing future incidents. Typically, such centers (like the U.S. NTSB) were established in response to major transportation disasters, with the goal of ensuring impartial, evidence-based analysis. The NTSC plays a key role in shaping transportation policies by analyzing data from air, rail, maritime, and road accidents.

Saudi Railway Company (SAR)

The Saudi Railway Company (SAR) is a state-owned enterprise established in 2006 to develop and operate Saudi Arabia’s railway infrastructure. It manages key rail networks, including the North-South Railway for freight and the Haramain High-Speed Railway linking Mecca and Medina. SAR plays a vital role in the country’s transportation sector, supporting economic growth and Vision 2030’s goals for modernization and connectivity.

UK Department for Transport

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) is a government department responsible for overseeing transportation infrastructure and policies in England, including roads, railways, aviation, and maritime sectors. Established in 1919 as the Ministry of Transport, it has evolved to address modern challenges such as sustainability, congestion, and technological advancements in transport. The DfT plays a key role in shaping national transport strategy, funding projects, and ensuring safety and efficiency across the network.

University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham, founded in 1900, is a prestigious public research university in Birmingham, England, and a member of the Russell Group. It was the first civic or ‘redbrick’ university to receive a royal charter, allowing it to award degrees independently. Known for its historic campus, including the iconic Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower, the university has a strong reputation for innovation, including the development of the first artificial vitamin (vitamin C) and contributions to the discovery of the Higgs boson particle.