Key Impact Points:

• First Hydrogen Train: Saudi Arabia successfully tested the Middle East’s first hydrogen-powered train, a step towards sustainable rail transport.
• Rail Expansion: Ongoing efforts to expand the Kingdom’s rail network to support economic growth and new destinations.
• Technological Leadership: Saudi Arabia leverages hydrogen and digital solutions for cost-efficient, innovative rail infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia has completed the first hydrogen train test in the Middle East, according to Dr. Bashar Al-Malik, CEO of the Saudi Railway Company.

“This project is an outcome of the Kingdom’s keenness on adopting technologies that are suitable for the environment,” said Al-Malik at the Global Logistics Forum 2024 in Riyadh. He added that work is ongoing to expand the railway network to support the Kingdom’s economic goals.

The hydrogen train is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to sustainable energy, first announced by Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman during Climate Week 2023. The Kingdom plans to continue developing hydrogen technology for broader adoption in the commercial sector, addressing technological gaps as they arise.

Related Article: Forbes Middle East Reveals its Sustainability Leaders 2024

Digitizing the Rails
Frank Hagemeier, CEO of Siemens Mobility Saudi Arabia, noted that digitization is driving advancements in railways, enabling faster maintenance and lower costs, benefitting both public and private operators.

The Global Logistics Forum brought together 130 speakers and 80 exhibitors from 30 countries, focusing on innovations to transform the global logistics sector. Tarek Sultan, Vice Chairman of Agility, emphasized the importance of flexibility in adapting to market changes.