The 12th annual MENA Rail and Integrated Transport Summit was opened today by Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development, Chairman of the Federal Transport Authority - Land and Maritime.

The two-day event, organised by the Middle East Economic Digest, MEED, is being held under the patronage of the UAE Federal Transport Authority.

The summit will showcase ways to capture opportunities for world-class development of integrated transport in the Middle East and North Africa or MENA region through relevant discussions, content and resolutions.

The event will bring together over 500 leaders in rail and urban transport space in a bid to focus on the lessons learnt from key regional and international projects, and look at innovation, operational excellence and financial sustainability.

"The UAE's hosting of the summit reflects the country's keenness to promote the rail sector and sustainable transport that contribute to the sustainable development through its environment, social and economic pillars," Al Nuaimi said.

The UAE government has been focussing on sustainable development in sync with the vision of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which calls for an innovative government that responses quickly to changes and provides innovative solutions to all challenges, he added.

The UAE minister said that the ministry is committed to upgrading the rail sector and making the country a regional transport and logistics hub.