SAR Forges Future of Local Rail Industry with Major Partnerships at Innotrans 2024

Agreements and discussions with global leaders on the first two days demonstrate SAR’s commitment to adopting world-class rail technologies and expertise that will drive Saudi Arabia's economic growth and support Vision 2030

September 26, 2024

Berlin, September 26, 2024: Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) marked a strong start to Innotrans 2024 in Berlin, advancing its vision for a technologically advanced and interconnected rail network through a series of high-level meetings and strategic agreements.

A highlight was the signing of a Shadow Operator agreement with Deutsche Bahn, Europe's largest railway operator. In a move to enhance its operational capabilities, this partnership will see Deutsche Bahn take on a limited time service agreement for the Haramain Highspeed Railway (HHR) line, one of the keystone passenger services offered by SAR in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

*Two years after its first presence, SAR has significantly expanded its footprint at Innotrans*

In a major step towards technological advancement, SAR also signed a MoU with Indra Sistemas, a Spain-based leading global technology company. This comprehensive agreement focuses on establishing joint R&D facilities, including a Center of Excellence, to drive innovation in the rail sector. This partnership underscores SAR's commitment to embracing digital transformation and positions the company at the forefront of smart rail solutions in the region.

A further significant highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Italian Rail Infrastructure Group Salcef. This agreement aims to enhance track activities and foster R&D collaboration to address challenges posed by Saudi Arabia's high temperatures and sandy environment.

Productive Discussions With Industry Leaders

Hitachi Rail Limited, a global player in rail systems, rolling stock, and signaling technology, joined SAR for a discussion focused on the integration of cutting-edge technologies into Saudi Arabia’s rail infrastructure. The dialogue included insights into Hitachi's recent acquisition of Thales' ground transportation business and its potential for future projects in the Kingdom. The companies also examined opportunities for localization within Saudi Arabia’s growing rail sector.

Discussions with Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company and leading provider of rolling stock, infrastructure solutions, and technology for the global rail industry, centered on reviewing areas for collaboration, with a particular focus on leveraging local capabilities.

*SAR CEO Dr. Bashar Al-Malik (right) led several discussions centered on future cooperations*

SAR held a productive meeting with Voith, a global technology company with expertise in mobility and transport. The discussion centered on Voith's potential involvement in SAR's future rail projects, exploring areas such as drive systems, braking technologies, and digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency across SAR's network.

A meeting with Wabtec, a global leader in rail equipment, systems, and digital solutions, provided an opportunity to discuss the supply of critical components, while enhancing the passenger experience was central to discussions between SAR and Talgo, a Spanish manufacturer known for its high-speed passenger trains.

SAR also engaged with Stadler Rail AG, a Swiss manufacturer of innovative rolling stock solutions, including regional trains, trams, and locomotives. The two companies, who recently signed an extensive order for state-of-the-art passenger trains, explored further potential collaborations on EWS passenger train projects and discussed opportunities for localizing manufacturing and expertise within Saudi Arabia.

Positioning SAR for Technological Leadership

SAR rounded out the first day by meeting with Accenture, a global professional services company specializing in digital, cloud, and security solutions. The discussions centered around harnessing Accenture's expertise to enhance SAR’s technological capabilities in areas like Operational Technology (OT) security, logistics robotics, digitized cockpits, and advanced traffic management systems.

*Forward-thinking technologies and skillsets were a central part of SARs Innotrans discussions, here during a vistit to the Accenture stand*

Demonstrating its commitment to future-forward technologies, SAR entered a dialogue with Vossloh centered around their hydrogen locomotive technology, exploring sustainable solutions for the Kingdom's rail network. Additionally, SAR signed a contract with railway infrastructure manager collective EULYNX over a Standardization Roadmap of signaling systems. This partnership will be instrumental in harmonizing signaling systems across SAR's network, enhancing safety and efficiency for future rail operations.

Propelling the Saudi Railway Sector to New Heights

SAR’s engagement with these industry leaders at InnoTrans 2024 underscores its proactive approach to adopting the world’s best rail technologies and adapting them to meet the unique requirements and aspirations of Saudi Arabia.

SAR CEO Dr. Bashar Al-Malik remarked, "InnoTrans provides an ideal platform to engage with global leaders in the railway industry. Our presence here underscores our dedication to adopting cutting-edge technologies, expanding our rail network, and contributing to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 goals. The partnerships discussed today will be crucial in propelling the Saudi railway sector to new heights."

SAR's participation at InnoTrans 2024 continues through September 27, with further announcements and events scheduled.

Press release and image material for download:

The image material is freely available for editorial use. Please note the source: Saudi Arabia Railways.