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National Transport Authority chairs the Middle East Rail Conference and opens the Rail exhibition – January 2012, Dubai Print E-mail
Wednesday, 01 February 2012 06:02
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The rail exhibition was opened by H.E Dr. Nasser Saif AL Mansoori, Director General of the NTA, who stated that “I am delighted to open this exhibition, and I am proud of the NTA dedication to the railway industry and its collaborative working with local and international railway organizations, these conferences help us to keep the spotlight on the railway industry and promote its use in the UAE and the region” 
The Conferences which ran over two days discussed the underlying issues affecting the creation and nurturing of the railway industry in the UAE and the region, speakers from various countries including the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Japan, China, Holland, Sweden, USA, Turkey, UAE and Qatar delivered presentations on their respective countries railway systems and their plans.  Many suppliers also discussed the railway technology available in the market place such as the European Traffic Management System (ERTMS), European Train Control System (ETCS), high speed technology such as the Maglev, Super Conductivity Maglev, bi-modal trains using Diesel as well as electric catenary systems and Train telecommunication systems.


All international experts and practitioners involved in the railway debate indicated that the key lessons that must be learned in the UAE and the region is the definite need for the creation of robust and strong legislation, rail regulations and national standards to enable the railway industry to be effectively governed and monitored from the start to avoid expensive mistakes later.  Another key lesson was the need to bolster investor confidence, in law, to engender certainty, predictability and confidence in the emerging railway industry.


H.E Abdulla AL Katheeri, Executive Director, Land Transport Sector, NTA, who presided over the conference awards ceremony stated that “ the key success factor of the railway industry lies in effective railway legislation, regulations and standards also the promotion and acceptance of the railway industry as a viable, practical, and cost-effective mode of transport for both freight and passengers.  The NTA considers the railway industry as a strategic mode of transport of the future for our country. Social benefits of the railway industry must be realised ( e.g. employment opportunities, encouraging local businesses,  and technology transfer to the UAE), we are obligated to protect public interest, support private investors and attract railway talent, resources to the region and encourage competition".


The railway debate was led by Engineer Bassam Mansour, Rail Expert, NTA who highlighted the present situation, key issues and challenges facing the railway industry in the UAE and the region.  Eng. Bassam Mansour stated that “critical debates of the key and underlying issues of the railway industry with international experts and practitioners provide the NTA with a reality check and confirms that NTA policies and strategic direction on rail are not out of kilter with international practices”.
The NTA has recently drafted railway law that is being consulted with key stakeholders, developed railway standards and rail regulations in accordance with international practice.