Multi billion dollar investment in transport systems sees Gulf Traffic 2007 receive support from major regional and international government bodies

As governments across the region commit billions of dollars to the creation and enhancement of transport infrastructures, the development of road, rail and metro projects across the region are accelerating as countries are faced with rapidly growing populations that are placing incredible demands on existing transportation networks.

Gulf Traffic is the Middle East’s premier transport infrastructure show - the 2007 edition takes place in December at Dubai International Exhibition Centre and will once again bring together international manufacturers and suppliers offering the very latest products, services and technologies for the transport industry, comprehensively covering all aspects of roads, rail, bridges, construction, tunneling, technology and infrastructure.

“The implementation of efficient transport solutions is one of the top issues facing governments throughout the Middle East and North Africa,” said Sarah Woodbridge, Group Director Exhibitions, IIR Middle East - organisers of the event. “This is highlighted by the number of projects already in progress across the region, including road and rail construction, bridge building and the construction of state of the art metro systems - we are totally committed to continually develop Gulf Traffic as an event that brings international experience, expertise and best practice to the region.”

Like all the modern cities of the region, and indeed, the world, Dubai’s transportation needs are growing rapidly due to the increasing demand generated by the upward trend of international business relocations, huge increase in commercial activities, the growth of tourism and an ever increasing population. In order to realise its vision, the Government of Dubai created the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which has given its full support to Gulf Traffic.

With over 7,000 people working round the clock at different sites across the city, Dubai’s ambitious US$4.2 billion Metro project is well on track to start operation in 2009. Once complete, 87 fully automated, driverless trains will run on the Red and Green Lines, which will comprise over 75kms of track, and the system will be capable of handling 2 million passengers.

Dubai's Metro will form the backbone of an integrated public transport system, with bus routes and stops organised around the railway, thus making it accessible without the use of private cars. Taxi stations and Park & Ride facilities will also be included in key Metro stations to further enhance the central role of the Metro System. "The aim of the Metro system is to provide an alternative mode of transport to ease congestion, reduce travelling time and improve mobility within the city," said H. E. Mattar Al Tayer, Executive Director of the RTA. “It is intended to provide transport coverage and reach all strategic areas of the city - we will further develop the network to branch out into the suburbs with future extensions.”

For the first time, Gulf Traffic 2007 has support from major government associations from the UK (The Railway Industry Association), France (UBI France) and Germany (Bayern International). The sheer number and scale of projects in progress across the region make it one of the most active global markets for the transportation industry. “We are delighted to have such major regional and international support for the event which will make Gulf Traffic 2007 the largest ever staged.” said Woodbridge.

Gulf Traffic is firmly established as a major regional and international event - the 2007 show takes place from 10-12 December 2007 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre and will once again bring together international manufacturers and suppliers offering the very latest products, services and technologies for the transport industry.