The MoU was concluded in recognition of the strategic importance of the Jolfa International Railway Station, which is positioned at the crossroads of regional and global rail networks. Its goals include supporting sustainable development, improving economic efficiency, expanding rail transport capacity, and strengthening Iran’s presence within the North–South and East–West International Transport Corridors.

Modernization Aims to Boost Freight and Passenger Capacity

Under the terms of the agreement, the parties will work together to rehabilitate and develop the active rail fleet operating along the Jolfa corridor. The measures are intended to increase passenger and freight transport capacity, expand transit activity, support exports, and create new rail transport routes. The agreement further includes the modernization, expansion and upgrading of the Jolfa railway station, with particular emphasis on digitalization, smart technologies, modern freight terminals, logistics centers, and expanded combined rail-road transport services.

Additional commitments cover the development of supporting infrastructure designed to maximize the use of international transport corridors. Plans include the digitization and automation of freight loading, unloading and rail traffic management processes within the station area. The parties also agreed to examine legal mechanisms related to access routes through railway lands, land-use organization, traffic facilitation, and the feasibility of constructing additional branch railway lines to expand the operational capacity of Jolfa International Station. Implementation of the agreement is expected to support rail fleet modernization, logistics infrastructure growth, multimodal transport development, greater economic efficiency, and a stronger role for the Aras Free Zone in international transit and freight operations.

Capacity Expansion and Regional Connectivity Remain Key Priorities

The CEO of the Iranian Railways said Jolfa railway station possesses considerable potential for cargo transit growth, international transportation expansion and stronger cooperation with neighboring countries due to its location on one of northwestern Iran’s most significant rail corridors.

Jabbar-Ali Zakari, CEO of the Railways of the Islamic Republic of Iran, visited the Jolfa railway station during a one-day trip to Jolfa County, where he stressed the importance of fully utilizing the station’s strategic capabilities to support international transit, freight transportation and regional economic development.

During the visit, he assessed infrastructure, facilities, operational performance, logistics capabilities and development projects. Referring to the station’s role within the national railway network, he said, “Jolfa Railway Station, due to its location on one of the country’s most important northwestern rail corridors, has substantial capacity for expanding international transport, increasing freight transit, and strengthening rail cooperation with neighboring countries.”

Zakari also emphasized the importance of maximizing existing resources, saying, “Improving the efficiency of border railway stations and expanding logistics services are among the railway’s primary priorities, and Jolfa Station can play an important role in achieving these objectives.”

Highlighting the contribution of rail transport to economic growth, he said, “Strengthening the infrastructure of border railway stations and expanding their operational capacity will facilitate greater trade, increased exports, higher transit volumes, and an enhanced position for Iran within international transport corridors.”

He further underscored the need for coordination across railway departments to improve efficiency, enhance service quality and expand logistics operations at Jolfa Station.

Under the European Commission’s current proposal, the Connecting Europe Facility would receive €51.5 billion for the 2028–2034 period, with only a portion of that funding earmarked for rail-related developments. UNIFE believes this level of funding falls short of what is required and has urged the Irish government to promote an increase to at least €100 billion during negotiations on the next EU budget.

Ireland’s Rail Ambitions Highlighted

UNIFE pointed to Ireland’s 2025 Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy as evidence of the country’s growing infrastructure ambitions. The strategy includes planned investment in signalling systems, track upgrades, level crossings and rolling stock, with the objective of improving service frequency and extending access to the national rail network. The association cited estimates showing that successful delivery of the programme could place an additional 700,000 people within five kilometres of a railway station, representing an increase of approximately 25%.

Commenting on the need for stronger financial support, Enno Wiebe, Director General of UNIFE, said, “It is encouraging to see Metrolink underway, but it is just the start. Ireland needs significantly more EU funding to assist with its rail plans.”

UNIFE further stressed that congestion challenges in Dublin, Cork and Galway demonstrate the need for rail investment beyond Dublin’s Metrolink project. In that context, the association reiterated its support for an EUR 100 billion transport fund, arguing that a larger Connecting Europe Facility budget would unlock additional resources for rail development projects across the country.

“With an investment of at least €100 billion in the next EU budget for the Connecting Europe Facility, more funds could be available to support a range of rail and tram projects across Ireland,” Wiebe added.

Broader Rail Funding and Regulatory Reform Agenda

Beyond infrastructure funding, UNIFE noted that Ireland’s forthcoming Council presidency could influence discussions on public procurement reform and railway regulation at the European level. The association said the country would be well positioned to help advance proposed changes to EU public procurement rules while also contributing to the revision of the regulation governing the European Union Agency for Railways.

The collaboration creates a long-term strategic partnership between the two organizations, bringing together their respective expertise and operational capabilities. Through this cooperation, the partners aim to further strengthen Oman’s ports as major global trade gateways, improve operational performance and provide enhanced services to customers throughout the region. The agreement establishes the foundation for a new USD 400 million multipurpose logistics terminal in Sohar.

The project is expected to expand advanced integrated logistics services and supply chain solutions while supporting the development of new regional and international trade corridors. It is also designed to increase cargo handling volumes and deepen the connection of Omani ports with global shipping networks and key international markets.

Executives Highlight Strategic Importance of the Project

Commenting on the agreement, Eng. Abdulrahman Al Hatmi, Group CEO of Asyad Group, said, “This partnership reflects Asyad Group’s vision of building strategic collaborations with major global companies to enhance the commercial attractiveness of Omani ports and maximize the economic value of their assets. This cooperation will open new horizons for attracting trade flows and quality investments to ports, and free and economic zones, and strengthening Oman’s position in global supply chains, in support of the Sultanate’s objectives to establish its position as a pivotal center for trade and logistics services at the international level.”

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, said, “This partnership with Asyad Group marks an important step in the development of our logistics and port activities in the Gulf. By developing a new logistics terminal at Sohar, we will strengthen regional connectivity while securing reliable inland access to key trade corridors.”

Asyad Expands Global Logistics Reach

The planned multipurpose logistics terminal builds on Asyad Group’s extensive international logistics network. The company operates an integrated logistics ecosystem covering more than 76 cities across 24 countries. Its operations are supported by a maritime fleet of over 100 vessels serving more than 90 destinations worldwide and linking over 200 commercial ports.

Alongside its shipping and logistics activities, Asyad operates and manages multiple ports, free and economic zones, as well as major logistics infrastructure projects. The continued expansion of its business portfolio and logistics services reflects Oman’s ambition to strengthen its role as a bridge connecting East and West. Through the development of the new multipurpose logistics terminal, the group continues to advance that objective while reinforcing the country’s position in international trade and logistics.

Planned as a fully underground metro line, the project involves an investment of AED 34 billion ($9.2 billion). Once completed, the Dubai Metro Gold Line will expand the existing rail system’s total length by 35%. The scope of the contract includes a design-and-build service covering civil works, electromechanical systems, rolling stock, and essential rail systems. This transport expansion is designed to support the city’s growing population and its evolving transit needs.

Strategic Integration and Urban Connectivity

The Dubai Metro Gold Line is set to feature 18 stations serving 15 strategic areas. The route will extend from Al Ghubaiba to Jumeirah Golf Estates, facilitating better links between the historic and modern districts of the city. This infrastructure development is expected to serve approximately 1.5 million residents and provide vital transit support for 55 major real estate developments, significantly enhancing urban connectivity across the emirate.

The Gold Line will be connected to Dubai’s existing metro network and the future Etihad Rail system through a series of key interchange stations, enabling seamless integration across the emirate’s wider public transport network.

• Al Ghubaiba – connection with the Green Line
• Business Bay – connection with the Red Line
• Meydan – future interchange with Etihad Rail passenger services
• Jumeirah Golf Estates – connection with the Red Line and future Etihad Rail passenger services

Project Timeline and Implementation

The Roads and Transport Authority previously appointed the engineering firm Aecom to provide consultancy services for this underground metro line. Interested parties for the Dubai Metro Gold Line qualification are required to submit their bids by the deadline of 17th August 2026. According to the project timeline, the awarding of preliminary engineering designs and formal contracts is expected to commence next year.

Following the contract awards, the project will enter a five-year phase of intensive tunneling, station excavation, and systems installation. This rigorous construction period is scheduled to culminate in the official opening of the line on 9th September 2032.

This new Red Sea Express container line establishes a direct maritime link between Yanbu and the Jeddah Islamic Port, extending further to reach the Port of Aqaba in Jordan and the Ain Sokhna Port in Egypt. By connecting these vital locations, the initiative facilitates a more seamless exchange of commodities between the Kingdom and its regional neighbors. Such efforts are central to the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which focuses on modernizing Saudi port infrastructure to position the country as a primary global logistics hub connecting three continents.

Strengthening Industrial Exports and Supply Chain Efficiency

The introduction of the Red Sea Express container line corridor has already yielded practical results for the industrial sector. The Saudi Basic Industries Corporation confirmed the successful export of its first shipment of polymer products from the King Fahad Industrial Port via this new line. This move is expected to significantly enhance distribution efficiency and provide the company with more direct access to customers throughout the region. The partnership between these major national entities underscores a commitment to regional trade expansion and the optimization of supply chain logistics.

By offering specialized container shipping services, the route is designed to reduce transit times and streamline the movement of industrial goods. Historically, the Kingdom has continued to introduce direct shipping connections to support its manufacturing and petrochemical sectors. The King Fahad Industrial Port remains a cornerstone of this strategy, maintaining an annual capacity of 210 million tons for handling various industrial materials, including refined products and crude oil.

Economic Impact and Regional Connectivity

The integration of Jeddah, Yanbu, Ain Sokhna, and Aqaba through this service reinforces the Kingdom’s role as a central figure in Red Sea commerce. Beyond improving operational performance, the Red Sea shipping route is anticipated to accelerate cargo handling and minimize waiting periods at ports. These improvements in Saudi maritime logistics are projected to drive an increase in non-oil exports and foster competitiveness in Saudi exports in international trade.

The delegation engaged with various government bodies and technology providers to observe how major Chinese urban centers utilize automation and digital platforms to manage high-capacity transport systems. This collaboration is intended to keep Dubai at the forefront of smart mobility by implementing proven smart transport solutions from one of the world’s most rapidly advancing infrastructure markets.

Advancing Rail Technology with CASCO SIGNAL

A primary component of this international cooperation is the memorandum of understanding signed with CASCO SIGNAL LTD., a specialist in signaling and control systems for railways. Under this agreement, CASCO will establish a dedicated research and development center and an innovation laboratory in Dubai. This facility will serve as a specialized hub for rail technology, providing a controlled environment to test signaling and operational systems before they are implemented across the network.

The laboratory will focus on several key areas, including artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance, smart scheduling, and optimized asset management. By simulating real-world conditions, the RTA aims to improve the reliability of the Dubai Metro Blue Line while minimizing potential operational disruptions. Furthermore, the center is expected to facilitate knowledge transfer and enhance local technical expertise within the region.

Digital Infrastructure and AI Integration with Huawei

The second agreement, signed with Huawei Technologies, focuses on the broader application of artificial intelligence across the transport ecosystem. This partnership covers digital infrastructure, information security, and the development of unified data platforms. These platforms are intended to connect various transport modes, allowing for more efficient traffic management and faster emergency response through AI-powered incident detection.

The collaboration also explores smart transport solutions for station management and passenger services. Through joint workshops and pilot projects, the RTA and Huawei will evaluate emerging technologies to ensure they meet the operational requirements of Dubai’s expanding network. This approach allows for the testing of intelligent monitoring systems that can enhance the overall passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Strategic Insights from China’s Urban Mobility Models

During the visit, the RTA delegation toured advanced facilities in Shanghai, including the Municipal Transportation Commission’s command center. The center demonstrates how artificial intelligence can coordinate diverse transport modes, including metro services, buses, and taxis, in a city of over 24 million people. The delegation also studied urban planning concepts such as the ‘15-minute city’, which prioritizes accessibility to essential services to reduce vehicle dependency.

To further understand modern rail technology, the delegation experienced the Shanghai Maglev and inspected significant multimodal transport hubs and bridge projects.

The RTA said the visit was aimed at strengthening engagement with prominent Chinese companies and exploring opportunities for their involvement in Dubai’s future infrastructure and transport developments.

Mattar Al Tayer noted that China has emerged as a global leader in rail infrastructure, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, positioning it as a valuable partner for Dubai as it continues to expand and modernize its transport ecosystem.

He added that the RTA is focused on building long-term strategic collaborations that leverage international expertise in the execution of large-scale infrastructure projects while integrating advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability and the overall customer experience.

During the Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit, Dr Abdulla Hamad Al Ghfeli, Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), outlined the latest developments surrounding the project and indicated that preparations are entering their final stages.

Speaking about the upcoming launch, he said, “The air taxi will soon start operating in Abu Dhabi by the end of this year or the beginning of next year.” 

Alongside the rollout of the Abu Dhabi air taxi network, ITC is also preparing to launch a mobility-as-a-service platform in the coming months. The digital solution will allow passengers to plan, reserve and pay for trips covering multiple modes of transportation through a single application.

According to Al Ghfeli, the platform has been designed in a similar manner to the UAE government’s TAMM platform and aims to deliver a seamless travel experience from beginning to end. The authority has already implemented an automated fare collection system and is continuing efforts to integrate payment systems throughout Abu Dhabi’s transport network.

Archer Aviation Partnership Drives Air Taxi Ecosystem Development

Development of the commercial Abu Dhabi air taxi ecosystem began in 2024 through a collaboration between Archer Aviation and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. Progress continued in 2025 when Abu Dhabi Aviation became Archer’s first Launch Edition customer, creating a pathway toward commercial deployment.

A further breakthrough was achieved on July 2, 2025, when Archer Aviation conducted the first demonstration flight of its Midnight electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi. The all-electric aircraft is configured to carry four passengers and a pilot for short urban trips. It offers a range of up to 161 kilometres and can reach speeds of 241 km/h.

The Midnight aircraft incorporates a fixed-wing design together with 12 electric motors. Six forward tilt motors rotate during flight, enabling the transition from vertical lift to forward flight in approximately 45 seconds, while six rear motors provide additional lift during take-off and landing operations.

Archer Aviation plans to deploy an initial Midnight fleet in Abu Dhabi, supported by trained pilots, maintenance personnel, operational software and a dedicated passenger booking platform.

Infrastructure Expansion Supports Future Air Mobility

Infrastructure development is progressing in parallel with aircraft deployment plans. Authorities are transforming the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal helipad into a hybrid facility capable of serving both helicopters and eVTOL aircraft. In addition, plans call for the construction of more than 10 vertiports across the emirate. Initial locations include Zayed International Airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Abu Dhabi Island.

Artificial Intelligence and Connectivity Shape Future Transport

Al Ghfeli explained that artificial intelligence now plays a central role in transport planning throughout Abu Dhabi. Authorities are leveraging information from population growth trends, housing projects, public transport networks, taxi services and road sensors to predict demand, enhance traffic management and guide infrastructure investment.

The integrated command platform is designed to help authorities anticipate congestion, improve incident response times and optimise the movement of people throughout the transport system.

Abu Dhabi Mobility, formerly known as the Integrated Transport Centre, continues to oversee the emirate’s transition toward an integrated transport system that incorporates future-focused technologies, including commercial Abu Dhabi air taxi services.

The day’s discourse, shaped by an extraordinary concentration of political and regulatory authority, made clear that Posidonia is the forum where the maritime world takes stock of itself.

When asked to identify the single most pressing item on the IMO’s agenda, Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said: “Seafarer wellbeing and seafarer safety is our top priority. The industry depends on the people, the men and women, who are on ships day in day out, responsible for keeping global trade running. In zones of conflict, it is the seafarers who are on the front line, dealing with uncertainty, psychological stress and concern for their own families. The most pressing agenda right now is to seek de-escalation and resolution of conflict. I will continue to engage with all States and stakeholders to speak up for seafarers.”

The statement carried particular weight given the current geopolitical climate with maritime trade routes under pressure from regional conflicts and chokepoint tensions that have placed merchant vessels, and the seafarers aboard them, in harm’s way with increasing frequency.

He added: “I call on the industry to stand with IMO in defending the principle of freedom of navigation, including the rejection of tolls and discriminatory transit measures. I hope that Posidonia will see strong commitments to the energy transition, with increased focus on energy efficiency technologies, alternative fuels and looking to the future with orders for dual fuel ships. Above all, we need to keep investing in our workforce, championing diversity and inclusion while finding more ways to attract the next generation of seafarers.”

No voice carries greater weight at Posidonia than that of the Greek shipowning community the largest in the world and this year, Union of Greek Shipowners President Melina Travlos used her address to offer the perspective of the most powerful shipping nation in the world.

She said: “Seafarers should never have to face conditions of increased risk, let alone risks to their very lives. We hope that peace and respect for international law will prevail, so that the seas remain open, safe, and free for the benefit of all peoples.”

The green transition, Travlos argued, cannot be treated as a problem that the shipping industry can solve alone, or on a timeline determined by regulatory convenience rather than technological and infrastructural readiness: “Shipping’s decarbonization is utterly dependent upon external factors. The availability of safe fuels, fit for purpose technologies and adequate infrastructure depend entirely on other sectors. The green transition requires technological feasibility, economic viability, global coordination, and a level playing field. Otherwise, higher costs will be imposed on the entire supply chain without delivering the corresponding environmental benefits.”

Few flag states have articulated a more distinctive or more proactive philosophy in response to the current regulatory vacuum than Malta. Its position rests on three interlocking convictions: that global solutions must ultimately prevail over regional ones that technology neutrality through a goal-based approach is non-negotiable and that, in the interim, flag state administrations have a responsibility to fill the regulatory vacuum with authoritative, commercially useful guidance.

“We are actively moving past administrative sluggishness if a vessel can thoroughly prove its safety through Alternative Design and Arrangements, our technical department will facilitate its deployment now, rather than allowing it to be delayed by bureaucratic backlogs,” said  Dr Ivan Tabone, Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen, Malta Ship Registry.

The Registry’s approach to the IMO framework’s delayed finalisation is equally direct. Malta is not waiting for diplomatic resolution before preparing its fleet for the operational reality of the metrics that will eventually govern global shipping emissions.

Dr Ivan Tabone continued: “The IMO Net-Zero Framework may be experiencing diplomatic and political delays, but the work on technical guidelines must not pause, and Malta is actively preparing its fleet for the operational reality of Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity metrics today. Malta continues to advocate firmly for a unified, global level playing field that rewards real-world carbon reduction, rather than forcing shipowners to navigate fragmented, check the box regional compliance frameworks.”

Cyprus Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis arrived at Posidonia 2026 with a message that spoke as much to the process of good governance as to the substance of maritime policy. “Shipping is facing multiple pressures simultaneously, from geopolitical instability and trade disruptions to the challenges of decarbonisation, digitalisation and the evolving regulatory landscape. Open and constructive dialogue between policymakers and industry stakeholders is therefore more important than ever,” she said.

Hadjimanolis also highlighted the human capital dimension of maritime transformation, noting that the digitalisation of shipping places a premium on continuous investment in workforce skills a theme that echoed the IMO Secretary-General’s own emphasis on the people at the heart of the industry. She offered what amounted to a governance philosophy for the gathering of maritime ministers.

From the other side of the world but deeply embedded in the same global conversation Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport, Murali Pillai, brought the perspective of Asia’s pre-eminent maritime hub to Posidonia 2026.

“Amidst a more complex and rapidly evolving operating environment, Singapore remains committed to being a trusted node in global trade. We are charting the course ahead and investing in our port’s digital and decarbonisation capabilities to support a more resilient, efficient and sustainable maritime future,” he said.

No maritime jurisdiction occupies a more literally strategic position than Gibraltar. Straddling the narrow passage between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean a corridor through which some 60,000 vessels transit each year Gibraltar has long derived its maritime identity from geography. But geography alone does not build a competitive maritime hub, and Minister Gemma Arias-Vasquez made clear that Gibraltar’s ambitions extend well beyond the enduring advantage of its location.

She said: Gibraltar’s perspective is rooted in its role as a major Mediterranean port and bunkering hub. We support seafarers’ rights through practical welfare support for crews visiting Gibraltar, strong Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) standards for Gibraltar-flagged vessels, and a port community that recognises seafarers as essential to global trade. On decarbonisation, Gibraltar supports a realistic transition through cleaner bunkering, readiness for alternative fuels and close alignment with IMO objectives, ensuring the maritime sector reduces emissions while remaining safe, competitive and operationally resilient.

Day 3 of Posidonia 2026 closed with a sense, shared across delegations, that the maritime industry stands at an inflection point unlike any in recent memory. The regulatory architecture for decarbonisation is being built in real time, imperfectly and under diplomatic strain. Geopolitical turbulence is testing the norms of free navigation and the safety of the men and women who make global trade possible. And the jurisdictions, administrations, and hubs that will define the next era of shipping are, right now, making the investments and choices that will shape that future.

Those two themes people and planet are not incidental to Posidonia. They are its foundation. Now in its third consecutive edition to receive ISO certification as a sustainable event, Posidonia remains the first exhibition in Greece to achieve that distinction, a reflection of the organisers’ commitment to minimising environmental impact while maximising benefit for the local economy. And the show’s official charity partner, The Seafarers’ Charity, exists for precisely the purpose that the IMO Secretary-General and the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners both placed at the centre of their remarks: to build a world where seafarers and their families are valued and free of need and disadvantage.

Posidonia 2026 is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and the Union of Greek Shipowners, with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.

Strategic Agreements at Transport Logistic China 2026

On the opening day of the event, Saudi and Chinese organizations finalized seven memoranda of understanding and formal agreements. These documents cover a wide range of sectors, including industrial development, mobility, and logistics. These latest developments are part of a continuous effort to enhance transport cooperation between the two nations, following the 2022 Saudi-Chinese Summit in Riyadh. That summit established a framework to align Saudi Vision 2030 with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, specifically focusing on supply chains and integrated logistics.

Omaimah Bamasag, the Deputy Governor for Transport Enablement at the Transport General Authority, stated that the Kingdom is actively pursuing modern and sustainable mobility. She noted that this is being achieved through a flexible regulatory framework designed to foster innovation and accelerate the localization of advanced technologies.

Advancing Smart Mobility and Autonomous Solutions

A significant highlight of the exhibition was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi digital solutions provider Elm and Shenzhen Smart City. This agreement focuses on exploring collaborative efforts in smart mobility and autonomous vehicle technologies. The partnership is intended to facilitate digital transformation and enhance the overall efficiency of services within the broader transport sector. By integrating smart mobility into the existing framework, both entities aim to modernize urban transit and logistics operations.

In addition to the formal signings, Bamasag conducted a specialized workshop detailing the national logistics strategy. This session provided international companies with a comprehensive overview of investment regulations and the various investment opportunities currently available within the Kingdom. The authority also engaged in high-level meetings with the Transport Bureau of the Shenzhen Municipal Government and visited Huawei to review the latest applications of artificial intelligence in transport.

The Saudi pavilion further emphasized the regulatory reforms and digital transformation initiatives currently underway. These efforts are aimed at increasing private-sector participation and improving operational efficiency under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

The event brought together transport specialists from member states of the union and the Arab League. Qatamin emphasized that the transport and logistics sector remains one of the key pillars of Jordan’s national economy and plays a critical role in supporting trade, attracting investment and maintaining supply chain sustainability among Arab countries.

The minister also stressed that continued investment in transport infrastructure and services is necessary to keep pace with regional and global developments while increasing the sector’s contribution to economic growth. He described the Arab Union for Land Transport as an important platform for institutional cooperation, underscoring the value of stronger coordination among member states to support Arab economic integration and align transport-related policies.

Focus on Logistics Corridors and Border Modernization

Besides the development of Jordan as a regional transport hub, Qatamin called for further development of logistics corridors across the Arab region. He also emphasized the need for harmonized transport procedures and modernization of border and customs systems to facilitate cargo movement, lower operational costs and reduce transit times.

The assembly included an official opening session followed by specialized discussions and coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Arab Union for Land Transport. Representatives from transport ministries, federations and land transport companies from several Arab countries attended the event.

Minister Plenipotentiary and Chairperson of the Transport and Tourism Committee at the Arab League Bahgat Abu El-Nasr noted that the Arab Union for Land Transport has evolved into a leading reference point for research and studies related to the transport sector across the Arab world. He highlighted the union’s increasing contribution to policymaking and logistics development initiatives.

Arab Transport Cooperation and Digital Transformation in Focus

Secretary-General of the Arab Union for Land Transport Malek Haddad said the organization has reached an advanced stage of institutional development after five decades of activity, strengthening its capabilities and expanding its influence within the Arab transport sector. He stated that the launch of the Arab Transport Experts Unit represents a major milestone by creating a platform that consolidates Arab expertise and provides technical support for policymakers, helping improve transport policies and overall sector performance.

Haddad added that the union’s next phase will concentrate on expanding Arab cooperation in transport and logistics, accelerating digital transformation and advancing sustainability initiatives to improve regional and international competitiveness.

President of the International Association of Land Transport (UIT) and Chairperson of the Arab Union for Land Transport Khaled Haqil described the union’s 50th anniversary as a significant achievement reflecting progress in joint Arab institutional work and the creation of a more comprehensive regulatory framework for land transport.

Haqil said the organization is entering a new stage focused on strengthening institutional tools and reinforcing its position as the umbrella organization for Arab land transport. He noted that the sector has developed into an integrated economic system closely linked to trade, supply chains and development. He also emphasized the importance of expanding public-private partnerships to improve logistics efficiency and adaptability to global developments, while describing the Arab Transport Experts Unit as a strategic initiative supporting transport decision-making through specialized expertise and technical studies.

Participants further examined issues including the development of the Arab land transport system, facilitation of transit and cross-border transport, modernization of transport legislation and regulatory frameworks, digital transformation of logistics services, enhancement of training and road safety programs, and broader public-private partnerships. These discussions reflected a shared commitment to building a more integrated, efficient and sustainable Arab transport network.