The Gulf Traffic Exhibition and Conference, which has been created specifically to support the development of the region’s transportation capabilities, will comprehensively cover all aspects of roads, rail, metro, public transport, bridges, construction, tunneling, technology and infrastructure during its run from 10-12 December 2007 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), a key supporter of Gulf Traffic 2007, has initiated projects with a total investment in excess of US$4 billion, including a highly advanced metro system which comprises civil works, stations, system fixed equipment, trains, engineering and financing.  The RTA’s strategic plan through to 2020 is designed to tackle traffic congestion by concentrating on six key areas:  developing road networks, mass transit systems (rail, busses and marine transport), developing policies and legislations to control demand for transport and traffic, and launching awareness drives.
“We are fully committed to creating a world class transport infrastructure in Dubai, and to achieve this we are drawing on international best practice,” said H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority. “The Gulf Traffic Exhibition and Conference plays an important role - not just for Dubai and the UAE, but the entire Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region, as it gives decision makers from all over the area the opportunity to meet global experts and see the latest developments, products and services that can help them address pressing transportation needs.”
“Faced with booming populations that are growing at the fastest rate anywhere in the world,  Middle East governments have recognised that it’s vital to make immediate investment in essential transport infrastructure, and have already committed over US$147 billion to transport projects,”  said Sarah Woodbridge, Group Director Exhibitions, IIR Middle East - organisers of Gulf Traffic 2007.  “Urban transport and multi-class solutions are key focus areas due to the expansion of many cities and the ensuing traffic congestion.”
The UAE government is expected to unveil plans for an 800-kilometre railway line to connect all the emirates at an estimated cost of US$2.5 billion, and leading French companies are ready to compete for contracts.  The French Minister of State for Transportation, Dominique Bussereau, recently held talks with Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Governmental Sector Development and Chairman of the National Transport Authority (NTA), to offer expertise in land and sea transport, traffic safety and training facilities.
All of the countries of the GCC are highly active in terms of transportation projects.  Saudi Arabia, which is experiencing massive growth, is in the first phase of bridge and railway network construction that already accounts for some US$5.6 billion, while Bahrain has committed US$1.8 billion to a project that will link Bahrain and Qatar via a causeway.
The Qatari Government has allocated a budget of US$3.4 billion to road projects over the next 7 years, and Abu Dhabi’s master development plan includes an inter-city train network and metro lines.  Aimed to develop the emirate up to 2030, it involves expanding the transport network to accommodate the expected growth of Abu Dhabi's population to 3 million by that year. "Intensive work is needed to develop the UAE to the level of the most advanced nations," said His Highness Shaikh Khalifa, President of the UAE.
The GCC is also considering proposals for a Pan-Gulf Railway that will have a dramatic and positive effect on trade throughout the region, and will again demand a multi-billion dollar investment.
“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.  The level of government commitment means that this will intensify even further, so the long-term potential for regional and international companies involved in the transport industry is incredible”, said Woodbridge.
Covering over 8,000 square metres, Gulf Traffic 2007 will welcome over 5,000 visitors from more than 50 countries, feature 250+ exhibitors from over 40 countries, and offers a unique opportunity to network with industry professionals and source innovative solutions to traffic and transport challenges. The event has the support of leading international bodies such as UBI France, Bayern International (Germany), ITS South Africa and The Railway Industry Association (UK), and major industry names such as VAE GmbH, Siemens, Thales, Quixote, Serco and Right Angle, will be exhibiting.
Gulf Traffic 2007 takes place from the 10th to 12th December 2007 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre. Main event sponsors are 3M and Vossloh. The Gulf Traffic Conference, which runs alongside the show, features leading traffic and transportation experts from around the world, and will cover many of the related issues currently facing the Middle East.