RIYADH – The Gulf region is forging ahead with plans to improve its regional transportation infrastructure, with $121.3 billion worth of road and bridge projects already underway or in the planning phase. Saudi Arabia is the second largest spender in the region, pledging $26.9 billion to upgrade the country's transport infrastructure over the next five years, while the UAE accounts for nearly half of the regional spending, with $58 billion worth of road and bridge projects planned or underway. In Qatar, $17 billion worth of road projects are now in cruise control, as it prepares its expansive transport network ahead of the Football World Cup in 2022, while Kuwait underlines its position as one of the most active markets for road projects in the next two years, with $9 billion of schemes in the pipeline. Oman and Bahrain round off the regional appetite for road and bridge spending, with $8 billion of projects in various stages currently ongoing in Oman, and a further $2 billion in Bahrain. Highlighting enormous business opportunities for the regional traffic sector, the latest figures have been collated by Informa Exhibitions, organizers of Gulf Traffic, taking place from November 19-21 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC). “In line with a combined vision to improve road infrastructure and safety, GCC governments have outlined impressive plans to significantly boost investments in developing their road networks,” said Richard Pavitt, Exhibition Director for Gulf Traffic. “Road infrastructure development in the region will continue unabated, as governments set out to improve road safety and reduce congestion,” he said. The three-day exhibition features the Gulf Traffic Conference, addressing key traffic and transportation issues facing the Gulf region today, bringing together regional and international experts debating the latest strategies and technology in road safety and congestion management. – SG
